Uncertainty continues to surround Jeremy Pruitt’s long-term status as Tennessee’s football coach.

Chris Low, regarded as ESPN’s leading SEC insider, cast doubt on Pruitt’s future on Rocky Top during a Wednesday appearance on Nashville radio station on 104.5 The Zone.

When asked it Pruitt will “make it,” Low responded, “Looking at it from where we are right now, talking to some people, I think it’s going to be difficult… you never say never… it will be difficult for him to be the Head Football coach.”

Pruitt was extended by Tennessee ahead of the 2020 season-opener. UT was rewarding the head coach for a strong finish to Year 2 in which the Vols finished 8-5 with a Gator Bowl win over Indiana. Tennessee struggled, however, in Year 3 under Pruitt.

The Vols started 2020 2-0 with wins over South Carolina and Missouri but then went on a six-game losing skid, including blowout losses to rivals Georgia, Kentucky and Alabama. Pruitt’s squad improved to 3-6 with a victory against in-state rival Vanderbilt but fell 34-13 in the season finale against Texas A&M.

Due to the circumstances of the 2020 season, the NCAA waived all bowl eligibility requirements. The Vols accepted a Liberty Bowl bid. A statement by athletic director Phil Fulmer strongly indicated Pruitt would return:

“I’m thrilled about our football program’s opportunity to compete in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl against a great opponent like West Virginia,” Tennessee Director of Athletics Phillip Fulmer said. “First, it’s an opportunity to connect with our many fans throughout West Tennessee and expand upon the rich historical links between the Memphis area and UT. We have so much Tennessee family in and around Memphis—especially our medical school and fantastic alumni. And secondly, it’s a tremendous development opportunity for our team and should serve as a primer to spring practice for Coach Pruitt and our returners.”

The Vols did not end up playing in the Liberty Bowl due to COVID issues and now, it appears, Pruitt’s status is much shakier than it was last month. Is Pruitt about to get the Tom Herman treatment? We’ll find out.