Josh Heupel cuts another Tennessee football defensive coach

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

Coach Josh Heupel will not retain Tennessee assistant secondary coach Earnest Thomas, Knox News confirmed on Jan. 1.

Thomas was a member of the support staff rather than a primary position coach, so some fans were not familiar with him. But players, specifically cornerbacks, worked with him regularly. Thomas helped develop Jermod McCoy, a 2024 All-American, and Colton Hood, a 2025 All-SEC performer.

Since an NCAA rule change in 2024, analysts have been permitted to coach players on the field in practice and games. Previously, they were not allowed to provide direct instruction to players. They could only observe and work behind the scenes.

Thomas assisted defensive secondary coach Willie Martinez, who was fired on Jan. 1.

Unlike Martinez, who has one year remaining on his contract, Thomas was not under a long-term deal. He simply will not be retained on the 2026 staff.

These moves are part of Heupel's plan to reshape his staff after he fired defensive coordinator Tim Banks and hired Jim Knowles to replace him. Knowles is choosing new assistants and, presumably, some analysts to help teach his defensive scheme to UT players.

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.

Get the latest news and insight on SEC football by subscribing to the SEC Unfiltered newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Earnest Thomas: Josh Heupel cuts another Tennessee football defensive coach

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos