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Tennessee Hires Jim Knowles Vols Adding Proven Defensive Cbs Sports

Bonisiwe Shabane
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tennessee hires jim knowles vols adding proven defensive cbs sports

Tennessee has hired Jim Knowles as its next defensive coordinator following the firing of Tim Banks earlier this week, the university announced Thursday. The move signals a major effort by coach Josh Heupel to re-establish his team's defensive identity after a costly drop-off in performance in 2025. Banks, who was dismissed Monday after five seasons in Knoxville, saw his defense collapse this fall. Once a unit that helped carry Tennessee into the College Football Playoff just a season ago, the Volunteers surrendered 28.8 points per game and allowed 395.5 yards on average -- both third-worst in the... Enter Knowles, who after spending 2025 at Penn State, was not retained by incoming coach Matt Campbell and found a landing spot in Knoxville. Knowles' coaching résumé is among the most decorated for a defensive coordinator.

Before Penn State, he spent three seasons as defensive coordinator at Ohio State -- including the 2024 national championship season, when his defense ranked No. 1 in the country in both scoring (12.9) and total defense (254.6). "Hiring Jim Knowles was our top priority from the start of this process," Heupel said in a statement. "Jim has a proven track record of developing elite defenses that play with an edge, and we got to see that first-hand during the 2024 College Football Playoff. His defenses are always physical, well prepared and can adapt quickly in-game against today's complex offenses. He's a competitor, a winner and someone who will get the most out of our players in practice and on gameday.

Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel watches his players warm up before an NCAA college football game against Florida, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee coach Josh Heupel has hired Jim Knowles as the Volunteers’ new defensive coordinator. Heupel moved quickly after firing coordinator Tim Banks on Monday, and the Volunteers coach said Thursday that hiring Knowles was a priority from the start.

“Jim has a proven track record of developing elite defenses that play with an edge, and we got to see that first-hand during the 2024 College Football Playoff,” Heupel said of the Vols’ first-round... Knowles has coached 38 years in college football with 18 as a defensive coordinator. He spent this season at Penn State and was at Ohio State between 2022 and 2024, helping the Buckeyes win the 2024 national championship. Penn State's Jim Knowles has replaced Tim Banks as Tennessee's new defensive coordinator, UT announced on Dec. 11. Knowles signed a three-year deal with Tennessee that pays him $6.6 million plus bonuses, according to a memorandum of understanding UT provided to Knox News.

He will earn $2 million in the 2026 season, $2.2 million in the 2027 season and $2.4 million in the 2028 season. His contract will expire on Jan. 31, 2029. "Hiring Jim Knowles was our top priority from the start of this process," Heupel said in a school release. "Jim has a proven track record of developing elite defenses that play with an edge, and we got to see that first-hand during the 2024 College Football Playoff. His defenses are always physical, well prepared and can adapt quickly in-game against today's complex offenses.

"He's a competitor, a winner and someone who will get the most out of our players in practice and on gameday. We are thrilled to welcome Jim to Rocky Top as he helps us chase championships." Players were told about Knowles' hiring during a team meeting. To stream WBIR on your phone, you need the WBIR app. Example video title will go here for this video Example video title will go here for this video

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee on Thursday confirmed the hire of one of the most respected defensive minds in football. Jim Knowles, who built a string of impressive defenses at several power-conference programs, has officially been hired as Tennessee’s defensive coordinator, according to a Thursday afternoon release. Tennessee announced the hiring of defensive coordinator Jim Knowles on Thursday. He is the second defensive coordinator during Josh Heupel's tenure as the Vols' head coach since 2021. "Hiring Jim Knowles was our top priority from the start of this process," Heupel said.

"Jim has a proven track record of developing elite defenses that play with an edge, and we got to see that first-hand during the 2024 College Football Playoff. His defenses are always physical, well prepared and can adapt quickly in-game against today's complex offenses. He's a competitor, a winner and someone who will get the most out of our players in practice and on gameday. We are thrilled to welcome Jim to Rocky Top as he helps us chase championships." Knowles was Penn State's defensive coordinator in 2025 after serving in the same capacity at Ohio State from 2022-24. He was also an assistant at Duke and Ole Miss under head coach David Cutcliffe.

Tennessee parted ways with Tim Banks on Monday after five seasons as defensive coordinator. Tennessee has made a splash hire to run the defense after Josh Heupel decided to let go of Tim Banks. Many fans were happy with the hire of Jim Knowles, but not everyone was. Tim Banks has already moved on from Knoxville as he is now the safeties coach for Auburn, once again coaching with Alex Golesh. With Banks now gone, it's a chance for Tennessee football to elevate its defense to an elite tier. In 2024 under Banks, the defense was a significant part of the College Football Playoff appearance, but in 2025, the defense took a step back, creating turmoil among fans.

Banks is an excellent coach and did a lot of great things for Tennessee, but it's probably best for both parties to move on. New defensive coordinator Jim Knowles was brought to Knoxville on a 3-year deal paying him $2.2 million on average, according to On3's Chris Low. Jim Knowles to Tennessee as DC is official. He has a three-year deal that will pay him $2 million in 2026, $2.2 million in 2027 and $2.4 million in 2028. All things considered, Josh Heupel nailed this hire in my opinion. The timing couldn't have been more perfect for Knowles to be on the market.

Matt Campbell was just hired at Penn State, where it's not that surprising he didn't keep Knowles around. Campbell has been with defensive coordinator Jon Heacock since his Toledo days and will likely take him to Happy Valley.

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