We all knew that Tennessee and Josh Heupel were going to move quickly to hire a new defensive coordinator, but did anyone think things would get done this fast? In a blockbuster move, Tennessee is reportedly set to hire Jim Knowles to replace Tim Banks. CBS' Matt Zenitz was first on the news.
Tennessee reportedly making blockbuster hire to replace DC Tim Banks
From our chair, this is a home-run hire for the Vols, as Knowles helped Ohio State win the National Championship last year before joining James Franklin's staff at Penn State this season. Obviously, a lot has changed since he left Columbus. Because of this, a quick look online appears to show that some people love the hire, while others aren't too thrilled.
Tennessee football has hired Jim Knowles as its new defensive coordinator
On one hand, what Knowles was able to get done with Ohio State last season was incredible. It led to Penn State poaching him and making him the highest-paid defensive coordinator in the game. However, Penn State's defense looked terrible this year, including giving up 42 points to UCLA in an embarrassing loss. So, we can see why people are split.
Tennessee is hiring Penn State DC Jim Knowles as its next Defensive Coordinator.
— Dawson Wise (@DawsonWiseFSK) December 10, 2025
Knowles spent 2025 in Happy Valley after 3 seasons with Ohio State, where he won a national championship with the Buckeyes in 2024.
A seasoned veteran and defensive guru. Great hire.
Something lwk scares me ab hiring Jim Knowles…
— VolHendrix🍊🤍 (@VolHendrix) December 10, 2025
Gotta be honest I'm not happy if it is Jim Knowles. I'll put my trepidations aside and hope it goes well. Give him the benefit of the doubt. But I got a bad feeling.
— John V. (@JYKvol) December 10, 2025
JIM KNOWLES!!!🟧⬜️🟧
— kevin carter (@RevKev16) December 10, 2025
Some of the guys Jim Knowles landed at Ohio state 👀 @Wesley_Hayes99 pic.twitter.com/c166gWRvCC
— Pope Leo XIV (@pope_vol) December 10, 2025
Jim Knowles is a fantastic coordinator
— Blake (@_BlakeTucker) December 10, 2025
but it is objectively hilarious they hired the guy whose defense allowed 42 to UCLA lol
I know the past 5 years, Jim Knowles was the most sought-after DC in the nation.
— Brad Shepard (@Brad_Shepard) December 10, 2025
Do I know if he will be a great fit for TN? Not a clue.
Was he my first choice? No. That was Walters, who’d likely be gone to a HC job quickly.
But JK is a lifer and a legend. He could be great.
Jim Knowles pic.twitter.com/ZRJjrIsBrD
— Asinine (@asininevol) December 10, 2025
Already, there are plenty more social media posts just like the ones above where people are thrilled, while that same emotion isn't shared by others. There are risks that come with Knowles, no question, but the fact of the matter here is that he's a great football mind and he's regarded as one of the top defensive coordinators in the country.
Why do we think Ryan Day and Ohio State were so hurt to lose him? Did things go well for him with Penn State? Absolutely not, but when Matt Campbell was brought in and Franklin was fired, it seemed like a long shot that Knowles was going to stay in Happy Valley in 2026.
Heupel had a ton of love for Banks, but at the end of the day he just wasn't getting the job done for the Tennessee defense. Washington DC Ryan Walters was at the top of the list for many fans, but he shot down rumors he was interested in the job this week. Now, we know that Knowles will be taking over for Banks and the pressure will be on for him to turn the defensive unit around.