Monday morning, Tim Banks was informed by Josh Heupel that he would not be retained as Tennessee's defensive coordinator. Things appear to be heating up when it comes to the coaching search.
On3's Chris Low and Griffin McVeigh are reporting that Tennessee is planning on hiring former Penn State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles to fill the vacancy.
BREAKING: Tennessee is set to hire former Penn State and Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles as its next DC, @clowfb reports. https://t.co/m8x4CMi2bT pic.twitter.com/TdHfeibYDk
— On3 (@On3sports) December 10, 2025
Tennessee reportedly plans to hire Jim Knowles as new DC
Some people might consider this a home run hire. I don't, as I think Tennessee hit a grand slam. To put it simply, Josh Heupel couldn't have done a better job with this search, as Knowles is considered one of the best defensive minds in all of football. Heupel got it done swiftly and hired an elite coach.
But the story doesn’t end there. Jim Knowles was a major reason why Ohio State won the College Football Playoff last season. I hate to bring it up, but when Tennessee played Ohio State in the playoffs last year, Knowles' defense held Tennessee to just 256 total yards and 17 points. They were a dominant group, and it showed.
During his time at Ohio State, Knowles consistently produced top ten defenses. At Penn State, he took a minor step back this past season, but the Nittany Lions were a dumpster fire all year. James Franklin was fired midway through the season.
One thing that should really fire up Tennessee fans is that Knowles also has the ability to recruit top talent out of high school and the transfer portal. While it's not his strong suit, Knowles is a more than capable recruiter while also providing some of the best X's and O's in the nation.
Tennessee's run defense was something that really struggled last season. Knowles will have his work cut out for him in 2026. The transfer portal will be a big part of his first offseason in Knoxville.
Tennessee will likely lose its starting defensive line, its best two cornerbacks, and whatever unexpected transfers decide to throw their name in the portal when it opens in January.
When everything is on the line, and the lights are brightest, Jim Knowles produces. This is something Vols fans needed.