Tennessee football defensive coordinator hot board

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Tennessee is searching for its next defensive coordinator after parting ways with Tim Banks on Monday. He served as Tennessee’s defensive coordinator since 2021.

No. 23 Tennessee (8-4, 4-4 SEC) is also preparing for the Liberty Mutual Music City Bowl on Dec. 30 against Illinois (8-4, 5-4 Big Ten). Kickoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. EST at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee (ESPN).

“I want to thank Tim for everything he has done for Tennessee the last five seasons,” Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel said. “He helped restore our program to national prominence. More importantly, Tim is a great man of character and someone I have the utmost respect for. We wish Tim all the best moving forward.

“These are tough decisions but one I ultimately felt was necessary for the future of our program. We are fully committed to identifying our next defensive coordinator who will uphold the standard that Tennessee has historically been known for.”

Linebackers coach William Inge will serve as Tennessee’s interim defensive coordinator for the Music City Bowl against Illinois. He served as co-defensive coordinator at Washington from 2022-23 and defensive coordinator at Fresno State from 2020-21.

Vols Wire provides ideal coaching candidates for Tennessee’s defensive coordinator vacancy.