Tim Banks leaves no doubt how he feels to be back with the Tennessee Vols after coaching on an expiring contract last season
There was some uncertainty earlier this offseason as to whether defensive coordinator Tim Banks would be back with the Tennessee Vols in 2025. Banks, who is expected to eventually receive a head coaching job, received interest from other Power-5 programs that had defensive coordinator openings. The Detroit native coached at Tennessee last season on an […]
There was some uncertainty earlier this offseason as to whether defensive coordinator Tim Banks would be back with the Tennessee Vols in 2025.
Banks, who is expected to eventually receive a head coaching job, received interest from other Power-5 programs that had defensive coordinator openings.
The Detroit native coached at Tennessee last season on an expiring contract, so he was free to look at other opportunities after the 2024 season.
Banks, however, ultimately decided to return to Tennessee, agreeing in late January to a three-year deal worth $2.15 million annually.
The veteran defensive coordinator was previously earning $1.5 million annually.
Before Banks signed his new deal with Tennessee, VolQuest's Brent Hubbs suggested that it was "bothersome" for the defensive coordinator to coach on an expiring deal last season.
"I think he (Banks) likes it at Tennessee," said Hubbs in early January during an appearance on 104.5 The Zone's Ramon, Kayla, and Will. "I think his wife likes it here in town. I think she's comfortable here. But he did not get a contract extension last offseason, and he coached this year on an expiring deal, and I think that was bothersome (for Banks) because of what he's done the last three years in building this defense. And statistically, they've gotten better each year and he was not extended in the offseason."
Banks spoke to reporters on Monday after Tennessee's second spring practice and it certainly didn't sound like there's any lingering hard feelings about not receiving a contract extension sooner.
"You know, being here, Tennessee is obviously a special place," said Banks. "[It's] a special place for me and my wife. You guys know me, you know my faith is everything to me. So I feel extremely blessed to be here. Uncertainty (about the contract), you know, I don't know. I knew things would work out the way it needed to work out. I'm excited to work with this new group, excited to work with our staff, and some additions we've had. It's been a blessing for me. I'm super excited to be here."
Tennessee fans should be equally excited that Banks is back in Knoxville for the 2025 season.
The Vols' defense has steadily improved in each of Banks' four seasons on Rocky Top. Last season, Tennessee finished with the No. 7 scoring defense in the nation while playing in the deepest conference in the nation.
Banks is obviously an elite defensive coordinator. And the continuity that his return to Tennessee provides for the coaching staff is massive for the Volunteers.
