ESPN says the Tennessee Vols made one of the most interesting moves of the offseason
It’s been a very active offseason for Josh Heupel and the Tennessee Vols.
It’s been somewhat of a transformative offseason for the Tennessee Vols.
Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel, for the first time since arriving on Rocky Top five years ago, made some big changes this offseason.
Heupel replaced defensive coordinator Tim Banks with Jim Knowles, he swiped strength coach Derek Owings from Indiana, and he brought in 21 transfer additions (the Vols had not added more than 10 transfers in any previous offseason).
We have no idea how those moves will work out for the Vols, but it’s clear that Heupel is focused on doing what’s necessary to take Tennessee football to the next level.
ESPN says hiring Jim Knowles was the most interesting hire of the offseason in the SEC
ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg pointed out this week that Tennessee’s hire of Knowles is the most interesting hire of the offseason in the SEC.
“When Knowles left 2024 national champion Ohio State for Penn State, he did so with the hope of elevating the program he grew up rooting for to similar heights and likely setting up roots in his home state,” noted Rittenberg. “But Penn State’s surprising struggles and the midseason firing of coach James Franklin put Knowles’ future in flux. Tennessee dumped defensive coordinator Tim Banks just a year after he was a Broyles Award finalist for a CFP team and quickly jumped at the chance to hire Knowles, one of the nation’s most respected coordinators. Knowles takes over a defense that finished 91st in both points allowed and yards allowed.
“Several key Penn State transfers followed him to Knoxville, including linebacker Amare Campbell and defensive end Chaz Coleman. If Tennessee makes a move back toward the CFP in 2026, Knowles’ defense likely will be leading the way.”
Knowles is a highly regarded defensive coordinator. He’s one of the best in the business. The biggest concern with hiring Knowles is the reputation that his defense has for being difficult to pick up quickly.
That concern is something that Knowles is well aware of.
“I’ve heard that,” said Knowles on The Mike Keith Show last month. “Not that I read those things, but people tell me that. So I think we’ll go back, and we’re working on that now. Every new opportunity that you have to install it, you’ve got to find better ways. So I think part of being a great coach is being adjustable and adaptable and listening. A lot of guys get stuck in their ways. So if that’s what some players may have said, I have to take that into account.
“And we’re looking at ways to simplify things early on so we can make more progress quickly. Now, one of the things is having coaches who have been with me, which I haven’t had in the past, so that always takes time. And having some players that have been with me too. So I think we’ll be way ahead on both of those counts.”
Knowles brought a few coaches with him from Penn State, which will help speed up the defensive install over the next several months.
“Staff alignment is critical,” said Knowles. “So I was able to bring a few people here and [also] keep some great coaches in Coach (Rodney) Garner and Coach (William) Inge. And then bring a lot of coaches in who already know what I do. That puts us ahead. I’ve done this now a couple of times and haven’t really had that opportunity. So Coach Heupel wanted me to have that opportunity — because it does advance your progress quickly.”
The Vols also brought in several Penn State transfers that played under Knowles in 2025.
“It’s a big plus because they spent a year learning not only the system, but how I operate and my expectations,” said Knowles of bringing some Penn State transfers with him. “And they’ll be able to filter it down to the other guys. And I also know I’ve been hands on with those guys, so I understand what they can do and where they need to get better.”
Knowles will hit the practice field with the Vols for the first time in March when spring practice gets underway.
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