Tennessee Fires Defensive Coordinator Tim Banks
Tennessee has fired fifth-year defensive coordinator Tim Banks, according to On3Sports. The 53-year-old has served as Tennessee's defensive play-caller since Heupel took over in Knoxville in 2021, and outside of the 2024 campaign, the results have been negative. After boasting one of the best defenses in the country last season, the Vols ranked 14th in yards per game allowed (395.3), 15th in passing yards allowed per game (248.6), and 14th in points per game allowed (28.8) in the SEC in 2025. Tennessee remained a high-powered offense this season under Heupel and transfer quarterback Joey Aguilar, but the defense allowed at least 33 points in seven of its eight conference games. This is the first assistant coach Heupel has fired in his head-coaching career, and the search is on for a new defensive play-caller ahead of the 2026 season.
Source: On3 on X
Source: On3 on X
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