A defensive assistant coach just became available that the Tennessee Vols should consider hiring
A well-known defensive assistant coach became available on Monday and the Tennessee Vols should strongly consider hiring him. The Florida Gators, somewhat surprisingly, fired secondary coach Corey Raymond on Monday (along with defensive line coach Sean Spencer). Raymond, a former LSU defensive back who spent six seasons in the NFL, was an assistant coach at […]
A well-known defensive assistant coach became available on Monday and the Tennessee Vols should strongly consider hiring him.
The Florida Gators, somewhat surprisingly, fired secondary coach Corey Raymond on Monday (along with defensive line coach Sean Spencer).
Raymond, a former LSU defensive back who spent six seasons in the NFL, was an assistant coach at his alma mater from 2012 to 2021. He recruited and coached a litany of future NFL defensive backs during his time at LSU, including Jamal Adams, Derek Stingley Jr, Tre'Davious White, and Donte Jackson, among several others.
It was surprise when Raymond wasn't retained by Brian Kelly at LSU in late 2021. It's an even bigger surprise to see him out at Florida after just two seasons.
Raymond is one of the best recruiters in the nation (he's highly respected on the recruiting trail) and he clearly knows how to get talented players to the NFL.
"Man, coach Raymond is a true guru," said Florida cornerback Jaydon Hill earlier this season. "You know, like, he not only coaches my position but he makes you learn defense. He makes you learn football and actually know what's about to happen and why it's about to happen, you know? Just learning offensive formations, and that's something that's big, it goes a long way."
Florida's defense struggled this season, particularly in the passing game. But because of Raymond's reputation, I think he gets the benefit of the doubt in this situation. Billy Napier is barely holding on in Gainesville and he's making some changes this offseason in a last ditch effort to hold onto his job beyond the 2024 season. It's possible that Raymond just isn't a good fit on Napier's staff (it's also worth nothing that Florida hired a relatively young defensive coordinator in Austin Armstrong before the 2023 season).
Tennessee could have an opening at cornerbacks coach this offseason. Current cornerbacks coach Willie Martinez reportedly isn't under contract beyond this winter. It's possible he could return, but for now, that's very much up in the air.
Raymond would give the Vols an elite recruiter who could help bring some much-needed talent to Rocky Top (and ultimately, that's the most important thing — elite talent makes every defensive coordinator/assistant look better).
Vols outside linebackers coach/special teams coordinator Mike Ekeler spent two seasons on staff with Raymond at LSU in the mid-2000s (Ekeler was a graduate assistant while Raymond was an intern and also worked as an assistant strength coach).
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