Buzz Peterson fired by Tennessee

KNOXVILLE, Tenn., March 14 (UPI) -- Buzz Peterson has been fired as men's basketball coach at Tennessee, Athletic Director Mike Hamilton said Monday.

Peterson coached the Volunteers for four years. His teams had an overall record of 61-59, including 14-17 this season. None made it to the NCAA Tournament.

The Vols lost to Kentucky Friday in the quarterfinals of the Southeastern Conference Tournament.

Hamilton said he told Peterson Sunday that his contract was being terminated.

"Coach Peterson has been a great representative of the University and the athletic department," Hamilton said. "However, we feel it is time to take the program in a new direction.