NEW YORK (AP) - Peyton Manning says he is an ambassador for the University of Tennessee and looks forward to supporting whoever is the Volunteers' next football coach.
Tennessee's search for a replacement for Butch Jones has resulted in turmoil, with fan protests, the firing of athletic director John Currie and the hiring of former Vols coach Philip Fulmer as AD. After being turned down by several coaches, Tennessee is still searching.
Manning, the former Vols great, is being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame on Tuesday night. Speaking with reporters, he said it's been a difficult time for Tennessee. Asked about his role with the program now, Manning said "donor, supporter, fan."
He says Tennessee is capable of being one of the top programs in the country again.