Tennessee AD Dave Hart says adversity that Martin faced won't hinder Vols' coaching search
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Tennessee athletic director Dave Hart says the criticism former men's basketball coach Cuonzo Martin encountered this season shouldn't hinder the search for a successor.
Martin led Tennessee to an NCAA regional semifinal during a season in which disgruntled fans circulated a petition calling for the return of former coach Bruce Pearl, now at Auburn. Martin left Tuesday to take over California's program.
Martin was 63-41 in three years at Tennessee, including a 24-13 mark this season before falling to Michigan in the Midwest regional semifinal.
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Hart acknowledged Martin faced plenty of "distractions" this season, but added that the Tennessee job remains "extremely attractive."
Hart says he wants a proven winner with a "significant track record," but didn't rule out selecting a "rising star."