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Report: Vols assistant Cutcliffe offered Duke job

Duke Blue Devils, Tennessee Volunteers

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. --
Duke has offered the university's head coaching job to Tennessee offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe, a Knoxville newspaper reported.

The report, appearing on the Knoxville News Sentinel's Web site Friday, quotes sources in the Vols football program as saying he is expected to accept the post.

Cutcliffe and Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer did not return numerous calls from the News Sentinel seeking comment.

Tennessee athletic director Mike Hamilton declined comment, citing a professional policy not to address coaching searches.

The paper said Cutcliffe returned to Tennessee on Thursday after interviewing Wednesday in Durham, N.C.

A spokeswoman in the Tennessee athletic department told The Associated Press late Thursday night that she had not heard anything about Cutcliffe receiving an offer.

Duke fired Ted Roof following a 1-11 record.

Cutcliffe has been Tennessee offensive coordinator for two seasons. He was head coach at Ole Miss from 1999-2004.

While there, he compiled a 44-29 record with the Rebels and coached Ole Miss to four bowl victories against one loss. He was the only Rebels coach in history to win at least seven games in each of his first five seasons.

The Blue Devils have won just 22 games in 13 years, including three losing streaks of 15 games or more.

Two coaches that Duke had interviewed withdrew their names from consideration. Ex-Navy coach Paul Johnson chose Georgia Tech and Bobby Johnson pulled his name out to remain at Vanderbilt.

It is unknown whether Cutcliffe will continue to coach the Vols through bowl practice. Tennessee will play Wisconsin in the Outback Bowl in Tampa, Fla., on Jan. 1. Bowl practice resumes on Friday, following a four-day break for final exams.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

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