PORTLAND, Maine (AP/CBS) — The Maine Red Claws of the NBA Developmental League have expressed interest in hiring former Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl for its vacant position.

Pearl was fired from Tennessee at the end of last season after lying to NCAA investigators during an inquiry. The Volunteers went 19-15 and made the NCAA tournament, but were blasted by Michigan 75-45 in his last game.

Red Claws president and general manager Jon Jennings confirmed to AP that there is an interest. The position is open because former coach Austin Ainge left to join his father, Danny, with the Boston Celtics, as the director of player personnel.

Pearl, a Sharon native,  is a graduate of Boston College.

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