Former Tennessee Vols coordinator labeled as a name to know for next winter’s coaching carousel
A former Tennessee Vols assistant coach could be a coveted name next winter.
A former Tennessee Vols assistant coach was labeled this week as a name to watch for next winter’s college football coaching carousel.
CBS Sports recently put out a list of names to know when coaching searches inevitably get underway after (or in some cases, during) the 2026 season, and former Vols offensive coordinator Tyson Helton was included on their list.
Tyson Helton has been a steady winner at Western Kentucky since leaving Tennessee
Helton, who is the younger brother of former USC head coach Clay Helton, spent one season as Tennessee’s offensive coordinator.
The Florida native was Jeremy Pruitt’s offensive coordinator in 2018 before leaving Rocky Top to take over as the head coach at Western Kentucky.
Helton has gone 57-36 in seven seasons at Western Kentucky. He’s won nine games on four occasions, and he’s had only one losing season (which was his second season in 2020, AKA the COVID season).
“It’s no secret that Helton would jump if the right opportunity comes along,” wrote CBS Sports’ Brad Crawford. “He’s been a finalist for multiple jobs during recent cycles — including Purdue — and his offenses produce. Helton has posted five consecutive seasons of eight or more victories and should be a favorite to win Conference USA next fall as a playoff hopeful if the Hilltoppers are able to go unbeaten.”
Helton could’ve left Western Kentucky multiple times over the last several years, but it’s clear that he’s waiting on the right opportunity. But he may need to win at least 10 games for the first time in his head coaching career before that opportunity comes along.
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