Tennessee secondary coach Willie Martinez talks to freshman cornerback Evan Berry during the Vols’ practice on Sunday.NASHVILLE — Tennessee suspended secondary coach Willie Martinez from coaching in Saturday’s season opener against Bowling Green due to an NCAA Level III (Secondary) violation.
“Martinez is not permitted to be an active participant of the coaching staff today and will not be at Nissan Stadium,” the Volunteers said in a statement.
Program spokesman Ryan Robinson said Martinez also faces some minor recruiting restrictions. Robinson also said Tennessee self-reported the recruiting violation. The Vols no longer are recruiting the player in question.
Martinez is a former Georgia defensive coordinator and Auburn assistant coach who was in his third season on staff at Tennessee.
“The athletics department worked with the NCAA while this matter was being reviewed,” Tennessee’s statement read.