The Tennessee Vols just got one step closer to keeping a key assistant coach this offseason
The Tennessee Vols are one step closer to keeping a key assistant coach this offseason.
It’s far too early to know what the Tennessee Vols’ coaching staff will look like in 2026.
Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel will be making decisions in the coming days/weeks on his coaching staff and whether any changes need to be made.
Opinions vary on whether Heupel needs to make any big changes. Some fans are hoping to see major turnover on the coaching staff, while others aren’t sure if a total overhaul is the right move.
One thing, however, that most Vols fans seem to agree on is that keeping defensive line coach Rodney Garner on staff should be a top priority.
Tennessee gets one step closer to keeping Rodney Garner on staff
Garner, who has been on Heupel’s staff at Tennessee since 2021, is one of the most well-respected defensive line coaches in college football. His presence is a major asset for the Volunteers.
There was some concern this week that Garner could leave Tennessee to join former Vols offensive coordinator/tight ends coach Alex Golesh’s staff at Auburn.
Garner, who spent two seasons with Golesh at Tennessee, played at Auburn and has spent a total of 14 seasons at his alma mater as an assistant coach (1990-1995 and 2013-2020).
Golesh, however, is reportedly retaining Vontrell King-Williams as the defensive line coach at Auburn.
With the defensive line coach job filled at Auburn, it seemingly increases the chances that Garner will return to Tennessee in 2026.
It’s possible, though, that Heupel could make a change at defensive coordinator, which could impact how the coaching staff looks in 2026. Garner, who will turn 60 next summer, could also look at other opportunities.
Tennessee Volunteers News
Josh Heupel probably needs to learn a lesson from his SEC counterparts and start doing one important thing he’s uncomfortable doing
Tennessee Vols head coach Josh Heupel is going to have to get comfortable being uncomfortable.
