When Jim Knowles was hired in December to replace Tim Banks as the Tennessee Vols’ defensive coordinator, it didn’t take long for one concern about the new defensive play-caller to emerge.

Knowles, who previously served as defensive coordinator at Penn State and Ohio State, runs a defense with a reputation for being hard to learn.

It’s not just fans and media that say that, either.

“It’s complicated. It’s very complicated,” said Penn State interim head coach Terry Smith of Knowles’ defense in October.

Former Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin made a similar comment before he was fired by Penn State.

“I think the first thing is, there have been obviously some adjustments to what we’re doing on defense, and getting our guys to play confident within the system is still a work in progress,” said Franklin in early October. “I don’t think that’s a question. We’re not playing as fast, as aggressive as we have in the past on the defensive side of the ball.”

Jim Knowles addresses the concerns about his defense being difficult to learn

Knowles joined The Mike Keith Show on Thursday for his first public appearance since joining Josh Heupel’s staff at Tennessee.

Keith specifically asked Knowles about the idea that his defense is hard to pick up.

“I’ve heard that,” said Knowles. “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.”

There will likely be some bumps in the road as Knowles installs his defense on Rocky Top. But bringing along a few assistant coaches and players from his last stop should help speed up the process this offseason.

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