‘That’s the one that makes the most sense at this point’ – Not many names have emerged in Tennessee’s search for a defensive coordinator
It’s very early in the Tennessee Vols’ search for a new defensive coordinator, but it still feels notable that no serious intel on the search has emerged. To this point, the only name that’s gained serious traction is Washington Huskies defensive coordinator Ryan Walters. Walters worked with Vols head coach Josh Heupel at Missouri in […]
It’s very early in the Tennessee Vols’ search for a new defensive coordinator, but it still feels notable that no serious intel on the search has emerged.
To this point, the only name that’s gained serious traction is Washington Huskies defensive coordinator Ryan Walters.
Walters worked with Vols head coach Josh Heupel at Missouri in 2016 and 2017 and at Oklahoma in 2012.
“That’s the one that makes the most sense at this point” – Vols insider shares early thoughts on Tennessee’s defensive coordinator search
Walters is a former Colorado defensive back who spent two seasons as Purdue’s head coach.
While Walters’ time as a head coach didn’t go well (5-19 in two seasons), he’s found plenty of success in the past as a defensive coordinator. Illinois, for example, had the No. 1 scoring defense in the nation under Walters in 2022.
It’s possible that Tennessee is pursuing other options — Heupel likes to keep things quiet — but for now, Walters is the name that makes the most sense for the Volunteers.
“You can consider [Walters] the name that makes the most sense,” said VolQuest’s Austin Price Tuesday on 104.5 The Zone’s Ramon and Will. “Knowing Josh Heupel and his tendency to care about his culture, and what he’s going to look for in a defensive coordinator, his history with a coach, all of that, that one makes the most sense. Now, can they get to the point where they cross all the T’s and dot all the I’s and get across the finish line, if that’s the route [Heupel] is going? We’ll see.
“There’s been plenty of times that a coach has basically [had a deal] with a school and things change, and one little hiccup causes the whole thing to fall apart. We’ll see if Tennessee can get to that point if that’s where [Heupel] is going. But that’s the one that makes the most sense, as far as connecting the dots.”
One thing that’s interesting to note is that when Heupel left Missouri after the 2017 season, Walters talked publicly about how Heupel’s offense didn’t help his defense prepare for the different offensive looks that teams see in the SEC.
From STL Today: New formations also mean new alignments and packages from the defense. Count defensive coordinator Ryan Walters among those who appreciate the new looks. Mizzou’s former offense (under Heupel) didn’t prepare the Tigers for any team they’d see during the season, Walters said.
“In terms of preparation and defending route trees with the element of being able to go fast and stretch you vertically and horizontally across the field, we’re seeing everything,” Walters said. “It’s good for our players, good for our staff to be able to come with answers and make adjustments and play football really.”
Heupel’s offense has obviously evolved since 2017, and so have offenses around the SEC. So that quote may mean absolutely nothing. But it’s one of the few public comments we have from Walters about Heupel’s offense, so it felt noteworthy.
Update:
Walters told reporters on Tuesday that he hasn’t had any communication to this point with Tennessee.
Tennessee Volunteers News
‘He reached out to Tennessee on Signing Day and wanted back in’ – Insider shares insight on Legend Bey saga with Vols and Ohio State
The Tennessee Vols signed four-star athlete Legend Bey during the early signing period, but he could be destined to land at Ohio State.
