Martin tabbed as new Tennessee hoops coach

KNOXVILLE, Tenn., March 27 (UPI) -- Cuonzo Martin was hired Sunday to replace the fired Bruce Pearl as the University of Tennessee's basketball coach, school officials said.

Martin became the Volunteers' 18th mentor, coming to the school from Missouri State, where he has coached since 2008.

Pearl was dismissed Monday following an NCAA letter of inquiry in September regarding potential recruiting violations and a series of off-the-court incidents.

"We are excited about the coaching ability, toughness and energy that he brings to the program," Tennessee Athletics Director Mike Hamilton said. "He has a proven track record of success as a head coach at Missouri State and an assistant at Purdue, as well as an outstanding career as a college basketball player."

Martin took Missouri State (26-9) to its first Missouri Valley Conference regular season title and into the second round of the NIT this season.