Important domino falls that will likely impact new Vols defensive coordinator Jim Knowles’ coaching staff at Tennessee
New Tennessee Vols defensive coordinator Jim Knowles is expected to finalize his coaching staff after the Music City Bowl.
A domino fell on Monday that will likely impact what the Tennessee Vols’ defensive coaching staff will look like under new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles.
Knowles, who served as Penn State’s defensive coordinator in 2025, is reportedly expected to have a significant role in shaping the defensive staff at Tennessee in 2026.
Important dominoes fall that could impact Tennessee’s coaching staff
According to CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz, Penn State is hiring USC defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn as the Nittany Lions’ new defensive coordinator.
Anthony Poindexter, who served as Penn State’s co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach under James Franklin from 2021 to 2025, was a candidate to take over as the Nittany Lions’ defensive coordinator under new head coach Matt Campbell.
Poindexter is also a strong candidate to join Knowles’ staff at Tennessee.
With Lynn landing the defensive coordinator job at Penn State, it seemingly paves the way for Poindexter to reunite with Knowles at Tennessee.
Knowles is expected to finalize his coaching staff after Tennessee plays Illinois in the Music City Bowl.
Vols defensive line coach Rodney Garner is reportedly expected to be part of Knowles’ staff in 2026.
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The Tennessee Vols and the Illinois Fighting Illini will meet in the Music City Bowl on Tuesday in Nashville.
