The Tennessee Vols could be in danger of losing a key assistant coach this offseason and it wouldn't be a good thing for the football program. 

Multiple reports in the last couple of days have indicated that Vols defensive coordinator Tim Banks is receiving interest from a couple of Power-4 programs as a defensive coordinator option. 

On3 reported earlier this week that the Miami Hurricanes have interest in Banks as an option to replace Lance Guidry (Guidry was fired after two seasons in Coral Gables). According to On3's Pete Nakos, Banks could be open to listening to Miami. 

Clemson is also reportedly interested in Banks to replace Wes Goodwin. 

I know there are some Vols fans who are unhappy with Banks after Ohio State had their way with Tennessee's defense in the first round of the College Football Playoff (though after the way Ohio State thumped Oregon in the Rose Bowl, I'm not sure that unhappiness is justified), but Banks has been a tremendous asset for the Vols and losing him this offseason would be a big blow to the football program. 

Tennessee's defense has steadily improved over the last four seasons under Banks' watch. That was especially important in 2024 as the Vols' defense was able to pick up the slack when Tennessee's offense struggled. Without Banks' defense, there's no chance that Tennessee reaches the 12-team playoff. 

If Banks departs for Miami or Clemson (or another job), there's no obvious replacement for Josh Heupel to hire. And while I'm sure some fans would view replacing Banks as an opportunity for Tennessee's defense to improve, there's no guarantee that would be the case (anyone remember when Butch Jones replaced John Jancek with Bob Shoop after the 2015 season…it's a move that was popular with fans but ended up being a total disaster). 

Most importantly, if Banks leaves, it would essentially serve as a soft reset for the Vols on the defensive side of the ball. Anytime a new defensive coordinator is hired, it's likely that some new assistants will come along, too. That means the culture that Tennessee has built on that side of the ball would be altered. That could be for the better or that could be for the worse. It's a complete unknown how it would go. 

Additionally, if Banks leaves, do any players follow him to his new destination? Or do some of Tennessee's defensive players hit the transfer portal (in the spring)? Again, it's a risk. And no one knows the answers to those questions.

Banks, who isn't under contract with Tennessee beyond the 2024 season, isn't perfect as a defensive coordinator (no one is), but he's been a great assistant coach for the Vols since joining the program in early 2021. The idea of him leaving just as the Vols' defense is playing at an elite level should be uneasy for fans. 

The old saying "if it's not broke, don't fix it" certainly applies here. 

Tennessee needs to make sure they keep Banks this offseason. The last thing the program needs right now is to take a gamble on a new defensive coordinator. That's a decision that could backfire terribly if it doesn't work out. 

If the Tennessee Vols decide to make an offensive coaching staff change, there’s one name that makes obvious sense

We will see if a change is made