The Volunteer's head coach Butch Jones raises his arms while walking off the field to celebrate his team's 24-17 win over the Commodores in Nashville on Saturday, Nove. 29, 2014.KNOXVILLE -- Tennessee football Butch Jones confirmed he is nearing a revised deal with the Volunteers and shot down his name being linked to head coaching vacancy at Michigan.
Speaking after Tennessee's first bowl practice early Saturday afternoon, Jones, who is 11-13 in two seasons in Knoxville, said his contract negotiations are "work in progress."
Jones's original deal with Tennessee was for six years through the 2018 season and worth $2.95 million, but it's likely he will get both a raise and contract extension.
"Our athletic administration and everyone here has been extremely supportive of everything in terms of resources and support," he said. "I would anticipate something coming here very shortly."
Tennessee's assistant coaches also are likely to see their contract rolled over another year, as they were after last season, in addition to raises.
Asked about reports that Michigan had contacted him, Jones quickly scoffed at them.
"I'm not going to get into any speculation or anything like that," he said. "I'm excited of what's going on here. We're working to get things done here."
Tennessee will learn its bowl assignment when the SEC releases them on Sunday afternoon.
Contact Patrick Brown at pbrown@timesfreepress.com.