The Tennessee Volunteers became the first SEC team to fire an assistant coach during the 2020 season.

Per Rivals.com (and multiple other sources), Jeremy Pruitt fired co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach Jimmy Brumbaugh following the Vols embarrassing 34-7 loss to Kentucky.

Brumbaugh hasn’t even been with the Vols for a full year, as he was hired this past off-season. Brumbaugh was hired to replace Tracy Rocker, whose contract wasn’t renewed after last season.

The Wildcats gashed the Vols defensive line and took over the game in the second half. Many analysts believe that the Wildcats have one of the best offensive lines not only in the SEC, but in college football.

Brumbaugh signed a 2-year contract with the Vols for $650,000 total salary over 2 seasons.

While the defensive line hasn’t been a strong point at Tennessee by any means, there are other positions in worse shape. This is somewhat of a surprising move at this point in the season.

However, when Tennessee loses to Kentucky by 27, somebody has to pay. That ended up being Brumbaugh.

UPDATE: Tennessee has confirmed the firing of Brumbaugh.