One potential destination for Tennessee Vols defensive coordinator Tim Banks appears to no longer be an option
It’s unclear if Tim Banks will return as the Tennessee Vols’ defensive coordinator in 2026.
It’s unclear if defensive coordinator Tim Banks will return for the Tennessee Vols in 2026.
Banks engineered one of the nation’s top defenses at Tennessee in 2024, but the Vols’ defensive performance dropped off dramatically in 2025.
Tennessee finished with the No. 92 scoring defense in the nation this season after finishing with the No. 7 scoring defense in 2024.
Tennessee Vols expected to make coaching staff changes this offseason
On3’s Chris Low said during an appearance on WNML’s Josh and Swain this week that he expects Tennessee to make some staff changes this offseason.
Banks is obviously one of the Vols’ assistant coaches that Josh Heupel will need to evaluate.
Heupel has never fired a coordinator, which is why some folks believe that if a defensive coordinator change is made, it’ll be framed as Banks leaving for another job instead of being dismissed.
Virginia Tech, which just hired James Franklin as the program’s new head coach, has been viewed as a logical landing spot for Banks if he chooses to leave Tennessee.
Banks and Franklin previously worked together for five seasons at Penn State.
Virginia Tech, however, is reportedly on the verge of hiring Brent Pry as the program’s new defensive coordinator. It would be a bizarre move because Pry was the head coach whom Virginia Tech fired to hire Franklin.
Pry and Franklin, however, have a close relationship. So it’s no surprise this move is being considered.
Banks is likely next on the list for Virginia Tech if the deal with Pry falls through. But for now, it looks like Pry will be returning to Blacksburg, and one of Banks’ top job options will no longer be open.
Tennessee Volunteers News
Kirby Smart may have taken a subtle shot at the Tennessee Vols after Georgia’s win over Alabama in the SEC Championship Game
Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart may have taken a subtle shot at the Tennessee Vols on Saturday in Atlanta.
