Tennessee Vols defensive coordinator Tim Banks has a strong take on what it's like to work for Josh Heupel
When Josh Heupel was hired as the head coach of the Tennessee Vols, he brought several staff members with him from UCF. Not every assistant, however, made the journey from Orlando to Knoxville. One of the new coaches that Heupel hired was Tim Banks, who arrived on Rocky Top in early 2021 after a lengthy […]
When Josh Heupel was hired as the head coach of the Tennessee Vols, he brought several staff members with him from UCF.
Not every assistant, however, made the journey from Orlando to Knoxville.
One of the new coaches that Heupel hired was Tim Banks, who arrived on Rocky Top in early 2021 after a lengthy search for a defensive coordinator that included a long look at names like Matt House (now the defensive coordinator at LSU, then the linebackers coach for the Kansas City Chiefs) and Josh Conklin (the head coach at Wofford).
Banks, a Detroit native who served as Penn State's co-defensive coordinator for five seasons before landing at Tennessee, has turned out to be a great fit on Heupel's staff — even though he didn't have a previous relationship with Heupel.
The Tennessee defensive coordinator has fit in seamlessly at Tennessee as he's embraced the challenge of coaching a defense that's on the field often thanks to the Vols' up-tempo offense.
Earlier this week, Banks spoke with VolQuest about a variety of topics, including what it's like to work alongside Heupel. The former Central Michigan cornerback didn't hold back in his praise for the Volunteers' head coach.
"Obviously, I didn't know coach Heup as a man, but he has not disappointed," said Banks to VolQuest's Eric Cain. "He definitely loves the kids. He's a tremendous leader. He's not one of those guys who believes he invented football, he's very down to earth. He's very genuine in everything he does."
"For me, life is way too short — I've done this for a long time — you want to come to work with people that you obviously respect. And people that truly have a vision similar to you. That's what I feel with coach Heup. He has a great vision — a vision of us playing hard, being tough, being smart. But loving these kids hard and enjoying what we do. And having fun in the process. It's been awesome. It's been a good ride so far. And [I'm] definitely looking [forward] to going to battle with him again. Can't wait to get going."
It certainly sounds like Heupel has created an ideal culture in Knoxville. It's a culture where coaches and players are expected to work extremely hard, but they're also expected to have fun and enjoy the process. The previous coaching staff was described as militaristic under Jeremy Pruitt. Heupel has managed to find a perfect balance between very high expectations and a true family atmosphere.
The right culture is half the battle. And Heupel has nailed that part. Now all the Vols need to do is figure out how to bring more elite talent to Tennessee. Once that happens, it won't be long before the Vols are a fixture in the top 10 once again.
Featured image via Saul Young/News Sentinel via Imagn Content Services
