A ‘big name’ has reportedly emerged in Tennessee Vols’ search for a new defensive coordinator
The Tennessee Vols are getting closer to hiring a defensive coordinator to replace Tim Banks.
A big name has reportedly emerged in the Tennessee Vols’ search for a new defensive coordinator.
According to CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz, Penn State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has emerged as an option in Tennessee’s search to replace Tim Banks.
Knowles served as Ohio State’s defensive coordinator from 2022 to 2024.
Josh Heupel and the Vols saw Knowles’ defense up close last season in Tennessee’s 42-17 loss to Ohio State in the first round of the College Football Playoff.
Jim Knowles coached under former Vols offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe
Knowles has an interesting connection to Tennessee via former Vols offensive coordinator David Cutlciffe.
In 2003, Knowles served as Cutcliffe’s linebackers coach at Ole Miss. Knowles also spent eight season on Cutcliffe’s staff at Duke (2010 to 2017).
Ohio State finished with the No. 1 scoring defense in the nation under Knowles in 2024.
New Nittany Lions head coach Matt Campbell is expected to bring Jon Heacock, his defensive coordinator at Iowa State, to Penn State.
Update:
ESPN’s Pete Thamel expects Knowles to land at Tennessee.
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