KNOXVILLE -- Tennessee and defensive coordinator John Jancek "have mutually agreed to part ways," according to a release from the program on Wednesday afternoon.
Speculation about Jancek's future with the Volunteers began late last week before Tennessee's Outback Bowl win against Northwestern.
Now Jancek is out and Tennessee is looking for a new leader of its defense.
"John and I had a long discussion this morning and we both came to the conclusion that it was best to part ways," Tennessee head coach Butch Jones said in a statement.
"I want to thank Coach Jancek for his contributions to the University of Tennessee football program the past three years. His hard work and dedication to this program played a major role in our back-to-back bowl wins. These decisions are never easy especially for someone I have worked with at three different schools.
"We feel strongly about the direction our program is headed and will work diligently to find the best person available to lead our defense."
Tennessee improved defensively under Jancek's leadership.
The Vols ranked 84th nationally in total defense in 2013, 37th in 2014 and 36th this season.
In scoring defense Tennessee improved from 79th in 2013, 34th in 2014 and 16th in 2015.
Jancek received a $40,000 raise last offseason, and his 2015 salary was $515,000, which ranked 26th among SEC assistant coaches according to USA Today.
According to a program official, Tennessee will owe Jancek what's left on the final 14 months of his contract, but if he takes another coaching job, the Vols only have to pay the difference between his new salary and what he would have made at Tennessee in 2016.
One name to watch as Jancek's replacement is Penn State defensive coordinator Bob Shoop.
Contact Patrick Brown at pbrown@timesfreepress.com.