Pearl tells PTI 'I didn't' flirt with Memphis

When the hosts of ESPN's Pardon the Interruption asked Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl on Friday to what extent he flirted with Memphis for its coaching vacancy, he responded simply, "I didn't."

On Thursday, Pearl received a renegotiated six-year contract. It came hours after reports surfaced that Memphis wanted to talk to Pearl.

"I didn't want it to go any further than it had to," Pearl added. "I knew they were looking for a coach and that it was important for Memphis to get as high profile as they possibly could. I love Tennessee and Tennessee is where I want to stay. (athletic director) Mike Hamilton made that possible."

Pearl also responded to the notion that coaching salaries are becoming too high, in light of NCAA President Myles Brand's recent statement along those lines.

"I think he might be right," Pearl said. "At the same time, I wonder what his salary is at the NCAA. I think it's pretty significant.

"I've said this before: I'm 49 years old. For 45 years I was an assistant coach, I was a Division II head coach for nine years. I worked my way up the ladder, I paid my dues. This is a great country and a land of opportunity.

"Tremendous things are expected of me. I'm expected to win and be successful, and there is no security.

"It's not like a teach that's got tenure. I'd take less if I knew I was going to be there, even if I wasn't a good teacher."