Currie returns to Tennessee

Tennessee search for an athletics director has been full of plenty of twists and turns. The last twist and turn is one that no one saw coming as the University of Tennessee is tabbing Kansas State Athletics Director John Currie to be the next AD in Knoxville.

On Friday, North Carolina Athletics Director Bubba Cunningham emerged as the hot name in the search. Sunday evening, Cunningham pulled his name out of contention.

This week, it was expected that the search committee would interview three candidates with Cincinnati's Mike Bohn, former Carolina Panthers President Danny Morrison, and Hall of Fame coach Phillip Fulmer as the three finalists. Sources say that Fulmer spoke with some of the committee members over the weekend but it's unclear if that was a formal interview.

However, in a surprise move Monday, talks heated up with Currie about a deal and that is the direction Tennessee has went.

University of Tennessee chancellor Dr. Beverly Davenport, with key committee approvals, has chosen to go. She made it clear from the beginning that she wanted a Power 5 sitting AD and sources said Monday night the decision made offer Currie the job to be Tennessee's next athletics director.

Currie worked at Tennessee starting in 1997. In May of 2009, Currie became Kansas State's athletics director.