Ohio State defensive coordinator Greg Schiano reportedly had a proposed $27.7 million contract on the table had he become Tennessee's head coach.
Darren Rovell of ESPN.com reported the news Tuesday, noting the deal was for "six-plus years." ESPN received a copy of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Monday. The understanding was between Schiano and since-replaced athletic director John Currie.
However, social media response and protests from the fanbase over the potential hiring caused the deal to fall apart, and the Volunteers instead hired Alabama defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt.
Rovell cited a spokesperson from Tennessee who said the contract was not valid because it was never signed by the school's chief financial officer, David Miller, even though Currie and Schiano both signed it.