It was supposed to be John Currie’s opportunity to put his personal stamp on the University of Tennessee athletics department. Instead, he bungled it in a way that has left a stain on the entire school.

And it cost him his job. Currie was dismissed Friday after eight months as UT’s athletics director, according to multiple reports. Later Friday, university Chancellor Beverly Davenport issued a statement confirming that Currie had been placed on leave with pay while former Vols head coach Phil Fulmer will take over as athletics director.