Tennessee head coach Butch Jones announced that he and and defensive coordinator John Jancek have mutually agreed to part ways.

The Vols’ official website for athletics reported the news on Wednesday afternoon. Here’s a statement from Jones on the decision:

“John and I had a long discussion this morning and we both came to the conclusion that it was best to part ways,” Jones said. “I want to thank Coach Jancek for his contributions to the University of Tennessee football program the past three years. His hard work and dedication to this program played a major role in our back-to-back bowl wins. These decisions are never easy especially for someone I have worked with at three different schools. We feel strongly about the direction our program is headed and will work diligently to find the best person available to lead our defense.”

The move is a surprise to many as Jancek led a solid Tennessee defense this season. The Vols ranked 5th in the SEC in scoring defense, allowing 20 points per game. Meanwhile, UT led the SEC and was 3rd in the FBS in getting off the field with an opponent third down conversion percentage of only 27.6.

Jancek just completed his third season guiding the Vols’ defense.