Former Tennessee defensive coordinator Tim Banks finds a quick landing spot with a familiar face for Vol fans
The Vols’ coordinators from 2021-22 are reunited at one of Tennessee’s opponents for the 2026 season.
It appears as though Tim Banks did not have to wait long to find a new football home after he and Tennessee parted ways this week.
According to Auburn 247 Sports reporter Nathan King, Banks is being hired at Auburn to be their new safeties coach. And as many Tennessee fans know, former Vols offensive coordinator Alex Golesh is the Tigers’ new head coach.
Auburn’s Alex Golesh hires Tim Banks as his new safeties coach
Banks was fired on Monday by Josh Heupel after Tennessee’s defense fell on hard times in 2025, following a strong 2024 season. It had become obvious that change was needed after Vanderbilt steamrolled Tennessee for 312 rushing yards and 582 total yards in a 45-24 win by the Commodores, and Banks was the first domino to fall in that regard.
Banks’ hire by Auburn should serve to save a good bit of money for Tennessee. Tennessee’s obligation to pay Banks’ buyout, estimated to be in the area of $4.5 million, is subject to offset language in his contract, according to Ben McKee of Go Vols 247. It hasn’t been announced yet what Banks will make at Auburn, but it will serve to reduce what Tennessee has to pay him, which is obviously a bonus.
Golesh was hired as Auburn’s new head coach back on Nov. 30 after wrapping up a 9-3 season for USF. He was tied to the Arkansas job and had reportedly been offered the position before pivoting to accept the Auburn job.
As a result, Josh Heupel’s two former coordinators from the 2021 and 2022 seasons are now on the Plains together. By way of reminder, Auburn is set to visit Tennessee next season, with the date set to be released tonight, along with the rest of every SEC team’s 2026 schedule.
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