Josh Heupel has decided to make a significant staff change on Monday by firing defensive coordinator Tim Banks. It was a move that needed to be made, the Vols struggled on defense when playing the nation's top teams.
When looking for Banks' replacement, Heupel needs to find a guy who is detail-oriented, schematically, and can also win top talent on the recruiting trail. In the SEC, it's about the Jimmys and the Joes and the Xs and Os.
Let's dive into 3 defensive coordinator targets that Josh Heupel must call.
1. Jerod Mayo
Former Tennessee linebacker Jerod Mayo would be a perfect fit for this role. The former Vol was a star in the NFL, playing seven years for the New England Patriots, winning two Super Bowls, and even making a first-team All-Pro in 2010.
From 2019 to 2023, Mayo served as the inside linebackers coach for New England before being promoted to head coach in 2024. Mayo went 4-13 and was ultimately fired, and did not coach in 2025.
There's no question that Mayo would be an excellent fit for this role. He has NFL experience under one of the game's greatest coaches, Bill Belichick, and he would bring plenty of Vols pride to Knoxville.
The biggest question would be his ability to recruit. I don't think Mayo would have an issue, though, as he's a young, likeable guy who has experience that players would like to learn from.
If I'm Heupel this would be one of my first phone calls.
2. DJ Durkin
Right now, Durkin is serving as the interim head coach at Auburn after the firing of Hugh Freeze. Durkin would be a solid addition to the Tennessee staff, as he's coached at multiple high-level programs. New Auburn head coach Alex Golesh is retaining him, but Heupel should make a run for Durkin.
Durkin was the head coach at Maryland for a brief stint and has been the defensive coordinator at Florida, Michigan, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, and most recently Auburn. His experience in the SEC would be valuable, as he understands what it takes to compete at the highest level.
Auburn's defense ranked 25th in the country last year, allowing 328.4 yards per game. They also boasted an impressive 97.9 rush yards per game, which was eighth in the nation.
It might not be easy trying to get Durkin to leave Auburn, but it is absolutely worth Heupel's time to try to pry him away.
3. Seth Wallace
A name many Vols fans might not know is Seth Wallace, but they should learn it really soon. Wallace has worked at Iowa for most of his coaching career, filling in various roles such as assistant defensive line coach, linebackers coach, cornerbacks coach, assistant defensive coordinator, and now he's the assistant head coach.
If there is one thing Iowa football is known for year in and year out, it's their elite defense. Adding Wallace would be a great addition to the Vols staff. He offers versatility with his knowledge, and he has worked under Phil Parker one of the games best defensive coordinators.
Iowa's patented cover two defense would work in the SEC with the right guy at the helm, and Wallace would fit perfect here.
Heupel should pick up the phone and give this rising star a ring.