When Josh Heupel hired Jim Knowles to replace Tim Banks as the Tennessee Vols’ defensive coordinator, it didn’t take long for the national media to point out a big concern.

Knowles’ defense has a reputation for being difficult to pick up. Year one can be full of ups-and-downs as players learn Knowles’ complex system.

It’s something that Knowles is well aware of.

“I’ve heard that,” said Knowles in January when asked about his defense’s repuation. “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.”

Josh Heupel subtly addresses the concern about Jim Knowles’ defense

Heupel met with reporters on Monday after Tennessee’s first spring practice and subtly addressed the biggest concern with Knowles’ defense.

Specifically, Heupel pointed out that hiring several assistant coaches who previously worked with Knowles was a priority this offseason.

“One of the things just in our conversations — and I know this having been a coordinator and had to go somewhere else, too — I think a big part of your players picking it up as quickly as they can is having guys in your staff room that understand your scheme and what you’re trying to implement, and the why behind it,” said Heupel. “And that’s a big reason why a lot of the staff that we’ve hired has experience with him. And I think that’s been an added plus to him onboarding here, being able to get our guys caught up as quickly as possible in our installs.”

Heupel has set Knowles up for success in year one (Tennessee also added several defensive transfers that were with Knowles at Penn State last season). Now, that doesn’t guarantee success in year one — there’s a lot of work to be done this offseason — but it certainly gives Knowles’ defense a real chance to get off to a quick start on Rocky Top in 2026.

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