Rival SEC program officially hires popular former Tennessee Vols assistant football coach

A former Tennessee Vols assistant coach was officially hired this week by another SEC program.

Zach Ragan — Tennessee Volunteers News Writer
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Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK

A former Tennessee Vols assistant football coach was officially hired by another SEC program this week.

The Missouri Tigers announced Wednesday that former Vols outside linebackers coach Levorn Harbin (more commonly referred to as “Coach Chop”) will serve as the program’s defensive line coach.

The press release from Missouri describes Harbin as an “elite recruiter” who “played a significant role in the development of the edge rushers during the Volunteers’ 2024 College Football Playoff season”.

Harbin, who served as a defensive analyst for the Vols for four seasons before getting promoted to outside linebackers coach in 2025, was a popular assistant coach on Rocky Top thanks in large part to his reputation as an elite recruiter.

The Levorn Harbin file

  • From Butler, AL
  • Former North Alabama offensive lineman
  • Defensive analyst for the Vols from 2021 to 2024
  • Promoted to outside linebackers coach at Tennessee in 2025
  • Developed Vols EDGE James Pearce into a first round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft
  • Has 15 postseason appearances as a college football assistant coach

How did Tennessee replace Levorn Harbin?

Harbin wasn’t retained at Tennessee by new Vols defensive coordinator Jim Knowles.

Instead, Andrew Jackson, who served the assistant defensive line coach at Penn State under Knowles in 2025, will serve as the Volunteers’ outside linebackers coach in 2026.

Jackson served as West Virginia’s defensive line coach from 2021 to 2024.

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