News has been coming out about breakout players, preparation, and the future 2026 Vols team during the prep for the Music City Bowl. The Vols take on Illinois on Tuesday in a matchup that fans never wanted to be a part of. The good news is that there is good news coming.
Pete Nakos links Tennessee and Josh Heupel to stud QB on his way to the portal
A few weeks ago, Josh Heupel extended contracts for several assistant coaches on the Vols’ staff. Heupel wanted to keep the core together that has had success during his time in Knoxville. There was one coach many fans were hoping to see retained, but he didn’t receive an extension. Defensive line coach Rodney Garner, but it looks like that has changed.
Rodney Garner is one of the best in the business, and he was extended by Josh Heupel and Tennessee today, according to On3's Pete Nakos.
The expectation is that Rodney Garner will return as Tennessee defensive line coach in 2026, a source tells @On3sports.
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos) December 28, 2025
He had been the lone assistant on an expiring contract. Has developed James Pearce Jr. and Derrick Brown, among others. https://t.co/oFirWEofUv pic.twitter.com/ax0Dx9rutv
Rodney Garner extends contract with Tennessee
Getting Garner back will mean the defensive line will be in good hands moving forward. Losing Garner would have been a huge blow to the staff. Although Tennessee's defensive line was just average in 2025, Garner has proven to be one of the top defensive line coaches in the nation.
The biggest thing Garner has shown in his time at Tennessee is his ability to recruit and develop high-end talent. Right now, Matthew Butler, Byron Young, Omarr Norman-Lott, and James Pearce Jr. are all Garner draft picks. Plus, Joshua Josephs will be picked high in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Garner, during his career as a coach, according to 247Sports, has been responsible for recruiting nine 5-star recruits and 41 top-150 recruits. Not only can he develop talent, but he also does a great job of acquiring it.
Vols fans should be fired up that one of the best defensive line coaches is here to stay in Knoxville. The game starts in the trenches, and with Garner involved, Tennessee is in great hands moving forward.