When Tennessee fired defensive player caller Tim Banks, many fans were happy. Banks did some good things during this tenure at Tennessee, but both parties needed a change, in my opinion.
Josh Heupel swiftly started his search, and it didn't take long. Tennessee added Jim Knowles, one of the best coordinators in all of football. Knowles is known for his elaborate scheme, which is considered very tough to learn. Despite that, the players are pumped up to learn the Knowles defense.
Tennessee linebacker Jeremiah Telander said the other day that, "Coach Knowles has a great scheme and we're excited to learn it. It's going to be great." There's no doubt that Knowles is an X's-and-O's genius, but he also has some leadership qualities that Vols players will love.
On the Next Up podcast with Adam Breneman earlier this year, Knowles had a fantastic quote about his gameday attitude. He said that he wants his players to play freely and that all of the mistakes are on him. Check out the clip below.
I love this from Jim Knowles
— zach ragan (@zachTNT) December 17, 2025
“The last thing I tell the guys before they leave the locker room for the game is all of your mistakes are on me today…When you get to game time, those guys have to just be able to play free…They can’t be worried about looking over their shoulder.” pic.twitter.com/6rlknnE8kH
Tennessee's Jim Knowles wants the Vols defense to play free
This is precisely the kind of guy that Tennessee needs running their defense. This mindset is perfect, especially when year one of the Knowles system might have its ups and downs. Having a coach who will take accountability for his players is exactly what will make this Vols team better next fall. It creates a locker room bond that is unmatched. Too many coaches have an ego and are stuck in their ways, but that won't be a problem with Knowles.
This reminds me of Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell. He is constantly falling on the sword after a loss, even when it's not his fault, and the players love that. They would do anything for him. On the contrary, it seems like that's what could be happening with Knowles and Tennessee.
Knowles does have a lot of work ahead of him going into 2026. The Vols were 83rd in the nation last fall in yards allowed per game, and 90th in points allowed.
There is no guarantee that Knowles will be successful in Knoxville, but he for sure has the right mindset to turn this defense around.