Now, it’s officially official. Derek Dooley is the next head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers.
According to a press release issued by the school this evening, Dooley will be introduced by athletic director Mike Hamilton as the Volunteers new coach at a 9 p.m. ET press conference Friday night.
Dooley, who resigned as Louisiana’s coach earlier today after three seasons and a 17-20 record, will be the 22nd head coach in Tennessee history.
That is all. You can all feel free to stand down now and enjoy the start to your weekend...
UPDATE 6:36 p.m. ET: The school has released a statement from Hamilton on the 42-year-old Dooley’s hiring.
“We are excited to welcome Derek and Allison to the University of Tennessee family,” Hamilton said. “Derek is one of the bright young coaches in America. He understands our league and the competitive environment in which we compete.
“He took a very difficult first head coaching job and has made significant strides there in a short period of time. He is incredibly bright, a tireless recruiter and excellent on-the-field coach.”