Tennessee football: Ranking all 10 assistant coaches on Vols 2019 staff

Kevin Sherrer would be ahead of Chris Rumph were he not taking on a role that we don’t know how well he’ll perform. But Rumph is maintaining his role as co-defensive coordinator while also coaching outside linebackers.

Last year, Sherrer and Rumph saw their units develop at the same time. The only problem with that is Rumph had a lot less to teach his players, as they were simply tasked with being edge rushers who wreak havoc on quarterbacks. He also had more talent there.

Nonetheless, Tennessee football saw them make lots of plays by the time the middle of the season arrived. Darrell Taylor’s elite play specifically is a major testament to Rumph, and that’s why he’s able be No. 5 on this list. Deandre Johnson’s development after Jonathan Kongbo’s season-ending injury is another tribute to him.

This year, there are no questions about what Rumph can do as outside linebackers coach and co-defensive coordinator. He was solid enough at the position last year, and he’s not taking on any new roles.

With all of the edge rushers coming back outside of Kongbo, it’s pretty obvious that he’s going to be able to do his job as well too. Rumph is a known commodity and one that we know will be a solid teacher on Rocky Top.