University of Tennessee Fires Football Coach Derek Dooley

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Tennessee has fired football coach Derek Dooley after he posted losing seasons in each of his three years.

The 44-year-old Dooley posted a 15-21 record that sorely lacked quality wins over conference foes. Dooley was 4-19 in Southeastern Conference games and 0-15 against Top 25 teams. Tennessee is 1-14 in the SEC over the last two years.

Tennessee (4-7, 0-7 SEC) must win its season finale against Kentucky to avoid going winless in SEC play for the first time in school history.

Tennessee's 41-18 loss to Vanderbilt on Saturday guarantees the Volunteers their third consecutive losing season, which marks the first time the Vols have gone below .500 in three straight years since 1909-11.

The university also announced Sunday that offensive coordinator Jim Chaney will coach the Volunteers' season finale.