University of Tennessee Athletics
Statements Regarding Head Basketball Coach Buzz Peterson
March 14, 2005 | Men's Basketball
March 14, 2005
Statement from UT Athletic Director Mike Hamilton:
"At 5 p.m. yesterday, I notified Head Men's Basketball Coach Buzz Peterson that the University of Tennessee had elected to terminate his contract. As Athletic Director, I have pledged to always place the interests of this institution ahead of my own in every decision. Sometimes this process leads to consequences to good people and good families that we would all prefer to avoid in a perfect world. Such is the case in this decision.
Buzz has handled this in a first class manner - as he has always handled things during his career at UT. I appreciate Buzz, Jan, their family, coaches Chris Ferguson, Ed Conroy, Al Daniel and Clarence Swearengen for their service to UT.
The University of Tennessee has one of the greatest athletic programs in America. We should strive to compete for championships in all our programs. We simply have not achieved expectations in this regard in men's basketball in the last four years. In fairness to Buzz, I did not feel that I could step to the podium today with confidence and say that Buzz will be our coach two, three or five years from now. The inability to do so has dire consequences on recruiting, the stability of staff, and ultimately, results on the floor. Buzz has many of the characteristics we have looked for in a coach, but we were found lacking in the area of wins and losses in a business that measures its success according to such parameters. It is for this reason, ultimately, that we made this decision.
I want to thank President John Petersen for his support during this process. He has been there every step of the way. He shares my goals of excellence for our program much as he leads us to pursue these same goals for all units across the campus.
The process to hire the next basketball coach at the University of Tennessee has begun. I have engaged Champ Sports of Los Angeles, CA, led by former NCAA President Cedric Dempsey to assist me in this area. I will lead the search while involving the President at the appropriate time.
During this transition, Chuck Benson will continue to manage all aspects of the basketball program.
We can have a success in men's basketball at the University of Tennessee. We have a great job with outstanding resources, an excellent support system, a world-class academic institution and the best fans in America. We should expect greatness, and I look forward to all of us achieving this together."
Statement from UT President Dr. John Petersen:
"Mike Hamilton and I have spoken about the level of success in the men's basketball program, the outlook for the future and our options. I support Mike in the decision announced today. I also share the appreciation of Buzz Peterson and the excellent way he has represented this University and the very high level of character he has consistently demonstrated. I personally thank him for the very positive influence he has brought to our program. We wish him the very best and are confident he can be successful in a different circumstance."
