When big decisions are being made at Tennessee, it’s usually safe to assume mega-booster Jimmy Haslam is involved. Haslam, the owner of the Cleveland Browns, has close ties to the Tennessee program and a lot of money to throw around.

In fact, when Tennessee tried to hire Ohio State DC Greg Schiano, only to face severe backlash from the fan base, fans also assumed Haslam was involved in the decision, along with then-AD John Currie.

However, on Friday, Haslam wanted to make it very clear that he had nothing to do with the Tennessee coaching search (via KnoxNews.com):

“I want to clarify something, and I want everybody to hear this: I had nothing to do with the coaching search at Tennessee. Nothing,” Haslam said. “I know there’s all reports that I was tremendously involved. I’m a huge backer and supporter of the University of Tennessee, as is our entire family. I was not involved in the coaching search at UT. Very delighted with the outcome. Have not met coach Pruitt, but coach Fulmer — a good friend of mine — and (UT booster) Charlie Anderson both speak very highly of him.

“We’re glad to have him at the university, but I was not involved in that search.”

Haslam and Schiano had ties that linked back to the 2014 Browns’ coaching search, but Haslam insisted he was not involved in the Vols’ coaching search.

He, after all, has his hands full with the Browns, who are currently 0-12 and recently fired their general manager.