Tennessee gave Tim Banks an eye-opening extension to stay with Josh Heupel

The pen has been put to paper and Tennessee football fans can relax a little bit knowing that there won't be a massive change coming for the staff. Earlier in the offseason, reports flew that Tennessee defensive coordinator Tim Banks could be leaving town.

The Vols' defense was superb in 2024, which led to several programs showing interest in Banks. Miami gave him a strong look, with Mario Cristobal even putting an offer on the table. However, Banks said thanks, but no thanks. Clemson was eyeing Banks as well.

In the end, though, he's staying put with head man Josh Heupel. On Friday, the details of Banks' new contract with UT were released and he has earned quite the pay raise. Moving forward, Banks will be making $2.15 million per season on his three-year deal. He was previously making $1.5 million per year according to Adam Sparks of the Knoxville News Sentinel:

Tim Banks landed a handsome raise in his three-year deal with Tennessee

So, Banks is going to be making more than $600,000 extra per campaign? Coordinators are landing handsome contracts these days and there's no question that Banks was deserving of the extra dough, especially with Heupel not wanting him to go anywhere.

You know Tennessee probably had to make quite the pitch to keep Banks from leaving for either Miami or Clemson. In 2024, the Tennessee defense indeed was fantastic, playing a big role in the program posting 10 wins and reaching the College Football Playoff for the first time.

There are going to be some key playmakers who won't be back for the Vols in 2025, of course including future first-round pick James Pearce Jr. That's going to leave a sizable hole for Banks' defense, but the next man up mentality is there for this team.

No one wanted to see Banks go anywhere and Tennessee put its money where its mouth is in terms of making him happy. A three-year deal worth more than $6 million total sure got the job done there.