‘The silent coach’ — Tennessee coach identifies newcomer who’s taken a crucial leadership role on a defense that needs it
Tennessee has plenty of experience at linebacker, and a new face is making a difference with his teammates.
The Tennessee Vols have plenty of areas where they’re looking to improve from 2025 to 2026. However, few have a sharper curve than on the defensive side of the ball.
Tennessee’s passing attack found its groove again in 2025 with Joey Aguilar under center. With a plethora of skill position talent and some potential anchors on their offensive line, the Vols could be surpringly good, and quickly, if either George MacIntyre or Faizon Brandon hits the ground running under center.
But Tennessee’s defense left a lot to be desired last year, as evidenced by getting absolutely throttled by the offenses of Vanderbilt and Illinois in the season’s final two games. Tim Banks was let go, and Jim Knowles and a bevy of new defenders came to Knoxville.
Naturally, Tennessee needs to find some new, strong leaders on defense, and according to linebackers coach William Inge on Saturday, Penn State transfer LB Amare Campbell is filling that role on the practice field with his teammates.
Tennessee LB coach William Inge says Amare Campbell has been a ‘silent coach’ on the field
“Amare has done a really good job of helping lead the group,” Inge said. “The one thing that he does, which is so great, is he could be what we call, like the quiet or the silent coach. He can pull the teammate aside and tell him the perspective of someone who’s actually done it on the football field. There are some things we can tell them from a technique or an execution standpoint, but Amare can give them the hands-on, this is what you’re going to be able to see, perspective.”
Campbell certainly speaks from a place of experience and production. He has 37 games under his belt with 27 starts. Last year in his only season at Penn State, he totaled 103 combined tackles with 9.5 tackles for loss and three sacks, as well as a 61-yard fumble recovery touchdown.
With Arion Carter suspended for the first two games, Campbell’s importance on the field and under the lights will be magnified. And while his production and ability to handle his own role is crucial, his understanding of Knowles’ defense (they were together at Penn State in 2025) and his experience should elevate the play of those around him on defense.
