Tennessee football's defensive coordinator Tim Banks is returning to Rocky Top for the 2025 season after weeks of uncertainty. The Vols' DC received interest from Clemson and Miami with his contract expiring after the 2024 season.
ESPN's Chris Low reported on social media that Banks will be returning to Tennessee for 2025 after putting together one of the best defenses in the country this past season.
Tim Banks and Tennessee are finalizing an extension for him to remain as @Vol_Football’s defensive coordinator, sources tell ESPN. Banks, a Broyles Award finalist, led one of the top defenses in college football last season, holding 11 of 13 opponents under 20 points.
— Chris Low (@ClowESPN) January 15, 2025
This isn't too surprising as Banks had spent some time on the recruiting trail with Josh Heupel after turning down Miami's offer to become the Hurricanes' next defensive coordinator.
Moving to Miami and Clemson were both seen as lateral moves, which don't make a ton of sense for Banks as those two teams are in very similar spots as Tennessee right now, with Tennessee and Clemson making the College Football Playoff, while Miami was on the outside looking in.
Banks has been with Heupel since 2021 and has remained in his role as defensive coordinator to this point. Tennessee's defense has improved every year with the 2024 season being the best year yet, only allowing 16 points per game and 293 yards. It's the only season in the Heupel era where the defense has held opponents under 20 points per game.
Tennessee's defensive playcaller staying put is the best news Tennessee has received this offseason. It has been a month of losses in the transfer portal, but Banks returning is a good sign of things to come, at least schematically, for Tennessee in 2025.
Banks returning could open the door for another elite playmaker returning to Tennessee. EDGE rusher James Pearce Jr. has not officially declared for the NFL Draft, opening the door to returning for his senior season.