Tennessee Vols running backs coach De’Rail Sims was recently named as a candidate for the Miami Hurricanes’ vacant running backs coach job.

Miami needs a new running backs coach after losing Matt Merritt (a former Vols offensive analyst) to the Arizona Cardinals.

CaneSport reported over the weekend that Sims is “in the mix” to replace Merritt in Coral Gables.

“Sources have told CaneSport that Sims is in the mix to replace departed coach Matt Merritt, who went to the Arizona Cardinals,” wrote CaneSport’s Gary Ferman.

“His roots in South Carolina and extensive coaching stops across the Southeast have allowed him to build a solid network,” added Ferman. “And Sims is also just in his early 40s and known for the energy he brings to his coaching.”

Sims joined Tennessee’s coaching ahead of the 2024 season after previous running backs coach Jerry Mack left Rocky Top to join the Jacksonville Jaguars’ coaching staff. Mack was hired as the head coach at Kennesaw State ahead of the 2025 season.

It’s unclear if Sims will seriously consider leaving Tennessee, but it’s certainly a possibility.

The coach that Josh Heupel should target if the Vols lose De’Rail Sims to Miami

The best case scenario for the Vols would be Sims staying at Tennessee.

Sims has done a terrific job with running back DeSean Bishop, a former walk-on who was a 1,000 yard rusher in the SEC in 2025.

Additionally, Sims has built a solid relationship with 2027 five-star running back David Gabriel Georges, the Vols’ top recruiting target.

Tennessee is battling Ohio State for Gabriel Georges. Losing Sims would be a setback for the Vols in that recruiting battle — unless Tennessee hires a running backs coach that already has a strong relationship with Gabriel Georges.

That’s why I think if Sims leaves for Miami, then Heupel should immediately call up Ohio State running backs coach Carlos Locklyn and make him an offer he can’t refuse.

Now, swiping Locklyn from Ohio State obviously wouldn’t be easy. He might give the Vols a firm no.

But you never know until you try. Locklyn would be a perfect fit for Tennessee thanks to his already-established relationship with Gabriel Georges.

“Carlos Locklyn has an incredibly strong relationship with David Gabriel Georges, one that dates back years, and that could be a prime factor here,” noted 247Sports’ Garrick Hodge earlier this month.

Locklyn, by the way, played college football at Chattanooga.

Gabriel Georges, who is originally from Canada, plays high school football at the Baylor School in Chattanoga.

Locklyn has also spent time as an assistant coach at Memphis and at various high schools in the Memphis area.

If Sims leaves Rocky Top for Miami, Locklyn should be the Vols’ absolute top target to replace him.

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