Tennessee has made a splash hire to run the defense after Josh Heupel decided to let go of Tim Banks. Many fans were happy with the hire of Jim Knowles, but not everyone was. Tim Banks has already moved on from Knoxville as he is now the safeties coach for Auburn, once again coaching with Alex Golesh.
With Banks now gone, it's a chance for Tennessee football to elevate its defense to an elite tier. In 2024 under Banks, the defense was a significant part of the College Football Playoff appearance, but in 2025, the defense took a step back, creating turmoil among fans.
Banks is an excellent coach and did a lot of great things for Tennessee, but it's probably best for both parties to move on. New defensive coordinator Jim Knowles was brought to Knoxville on a 3-year deal paying him $2.2 million on average, according to On3's Chris Low.
Jim Knowles to Tennessee as DC is official. He has a three-year deal that will pay him $2 million in 2026, $2.2 million in 2027 and $2.4 million in 2028.
— Chris Low (@clowfb) December 11, 2025
Jim Knowles signs 3 year deal with Tennessee
All things considered, Josh Heupel nailed this hire in my opinion. The timing couldn't have been more perfect for Knowles to be on the market. Matt Campbell was just hired at Penn State, where it's not that surprising he didn't keep Knowles around. Campbell has been with defensive coordinator Jon Heacock since his Toledo days and will likely take him to Happy Valley.
The biggest criticism of Knowles is that his scheme is too complex. It's a detailed scheme that is tough to learn, but the proof is in the pudding. Knowles has had success at every stop as a defensive coordinator. The Ohio State defense was the best in the country last year and was a significant factor in their national title campaign.
In the bigger picture, adding Knowles to an elite offensive mind like Josh Heupel gives Tennessee arguably one of the best coaching staffs in the nation. Knowles has a lot of work ahead of him this offseason.
The Vols will surely be very active in the transfer portal, especially up front, as the majority of last year's defensive line is gone. Tennessee will also need to go after some starting-caliber defensive backs.
No matter what way you want to put it, Josh Heupel has made an upgrade to his staff with one of the best defensive minds in football. The Vols have a lot of work to do, but at the end of the day, this hire could pay massive dividends down the line.