Jim Knowles' ties with David Cutcliffe
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Jim Knowles is expected to serve as Tennessee’s next defensive coordinator after parting ways with Tim Banks following five seasons on Monday.
Knowles served as Penn State’s defensive coordinator in 2025 after being in the same capacity at Ohio State from 2022-24.
He launched his coaching career in 1988 as Cornell’s defensive line coach. His first served as a defensive coordinator at Western Michigan from 2001-02.
Knowles was hired by then-Ole Miss head coach David Cutcliffe in 2003. He was the Rebels’ linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator in the SEC.
Knowles left Ole Miss after one season to become Cornell’s head coach from 2004-09, compiling a 26-34 record.
After six seasons as a head coach, he rejoined Cutcliffe at Duke. Knowles served as defensive coordinator from 2010-17, while Cutcliffe was the Blue Devils’ head coach.
Cutcliffe was an assistant coach at Tennessee from 1982-98 and 2006-07, including serving as the Vols’ offensive coordinator from 1995-98 and 2006-07.
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This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: Jim Knowles’ ties with former Tennessee assistant David Cutcliffe
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