In late January, Kevin Steele was in the headlines upon reports that Tennessee was likely to pay his buyout of $900,000 after being hired earlier that month (Jan. 12). While the situation was commonly referred to as UT paying Steele roughly $1 million for two weeks of work, it appears Steele is still working as a Volunteers assistant coach.

In a Sunday article published by Eric Cain of VolQuest, UT target Kenzy Paul,  a 3-star ATH out of McCallie School in Chattanooga, mentions talking to Steele and new head coach Josh Heupel during the last week:

“Tennessee offered me when the previous coaching staff was there, but they hardly ever reached out. I think I was just on the list,” Paul told Volquest. “But when Coach Heupel got there, they reached out very soon.

“I talked to him and Coach Steele both over the last week. It was really just to get to know me a little more. They were both very easy to talk to. I feel like I’m more important to this staff than the other one.”

While Heupel may still elect to not retain Steele once his defensive staff is assembled, at least UT is getting more than just “two weeks” for its $900,000.

[H/T A to Z Sports Nashville]