Why Tennessee defensive lineman wants Jim Knowles to retain Rodney Garner
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NASHVILLE – Veteran defensive line coach Rodney Garner is the only Tennessee football position coach not under contract in the 2026 season.
His deal expires on Jan. 31, 2026.
There’s probably no need to worry. But try telling that to UT defensive linemen who want assurances that Garner will coach them next season on new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles’ staff.
“I’m not sure any of us are (certain). But I think (Garner) is really important to who we are as a defense. So I feel it’s necessary that (Garner) is able to come back,” defensive lineman Nathan Robinson said. “I’m not sure how it would look if he left as far as the roster goes.”
Robinson was the only defensive lineman available to media on Dec. 27, following UT’s Music City Bowl practice at Montgomery Bell Academy. But he appeared to speak for his teammates in support of Garner.
“(Garner) is really important to us, and he’s helped us a lot growing as players and as men,” Robinson said. “So if that relationship ceased being an everyday thing, I know we’d have guys pretty upset about that.”
No. 23 Tennessee (8-4) plays Illinois (8-4) in the Music City Bowl on Dec. 30 (5:30 p.m. ET, ESPN) at Nissan Stadium.
The transfer portal opens Jan. 2. Then coach Josh Heupel could consider changes to his staff as Knowles takes over the defense.
Will Rodney Garner get contract extension after Music City Bowl?
To be clear, Garner’s return appears likely. He is among the most respected defensive line coaches in college football. And he has produced 36 NFL draft picks in his 36-year SEC coaching career at Auburn, Georgia and Tennessee.
But that also makes Garner a coveted coach if he hits the open market.
UT has had a busy December, and coaches’ contracts have been among several key tasks.
On Dec. 11, UT hired Knowles, one of the sport’s most revered defensive coordinators, to replace Tim Banks, who was fired. Knowles signed a three-year deal that pays him an average of $2.2 million per year.
On Dec. 12, UT announced contract extensions and significant pay raises for offensive coordinator Joey Halzle and wide receivers coach Kelsey Pope.
Garner could be the next in line to sign a new deal, perhaps soon after the Music City Bowl.
After that, Heupel and Knowles must decide who they’ll retain on the defensive staff. Linebackers coach William Inge, outside linebackers coach Levorn Harbin and defensive backs coach Willie Martinez are under contract through January 2027, but UT could pay their buyout if changes are needed.
Tennessee defensive line will undergo changes in 2026
UT’s defensive line will undergo major changes in 2026, regardless of who coaches the group.
Bryson Eason, Dominic Bailey, Joshua Josephs, Tyre West and Jaxson Moi have exhausted their eligibility. Kellen Lindstrom and Jamal Wallace plan to enter the transfer portal.
UT still touts talent at edge rusher and strongside defensive end. And 10 defensive linemen signed in the Vols’ 2026 recruiting class.
Robinson is among the most experienced defensive linemen set to return in 2026. He has 14 tackles, 2.5 tackles-for-loss, 1.5 sacks and one forced fumble this season. And he has played 276 defensive snaps, the second-most among UT interior defensive linemen.
“I have a really good relationship with Coach (Garner). He’s believed in me through all the injuries,” Robinson said. “He’s allowed me to have this opportunity this year to be a contributor and make some plays.
“So I don’t know that I’m concerned how the depth chart will shake out next year. But I’m just going to come back in January ready to roll.”
Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Email adam.sparks@knoxnews.com. X, formerly known as Twitter@AdamSparks. Support strong local journalism by subscribing atknoxnews.com/subscribe.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Why Tennessee defensive lineman wants Jim Knowles to retain Rodney Garner
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