Josh Heupel details Jim Knowles being 'top priority' at Tennessee
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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.
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This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: Tennessee football hires Jim Knowles as defensive coordinator
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