Tennessee football just pulled off a coaching coup that's shaking up the college gridiron. On December 11, 2025, the Vols officially announced Jim Knowles as their new defensive coordinator, snagging the former Penn State and Ohio State star after a dismal season for both programs.
Head coach Josh Heupel didn't mince words, calling Knowles his "top priority" from the start. This move comes hot on the heels of firing Tim Banks, whose defense cratered in 2025 after a stellar 2024 playoff run.
From Penn State Bust to Rocky Top Savior?
Knowles' path to Knoxville reads like a rollercoaster. He spent just
one rocky season at Penn State, where the Nittany Lions—preseason national title favorites—stumbled to a 6-6 record (3-6 Big Ten). Their defense ranked a middling
37th in points allowed per game, a far cry from his Ohio State glory days.
Penn State had lured him from Ohio State in 2024 with a fat
$3.1 million annual salary—making him college football's highest-paid DC at the time. But after terminating his contract (with two years left), the school owes him
$7 million. Tennessee jumped in fast, sealing the deal despite the financial drama.
Knowles' track record screams potential, though. At Ohio State, his defenses ranked
1st, 2nd, and 24th nationally in scoring defense over three years. Earlier stints at Oklahoma State showed flashes too, climbing to
9th in his final season there.
The Price Tag: A $6.6 Million Bet on Turnaround
Tennessee isn't skimping. Knowles signed a
three-year, $6.6 million deal:
$2 million in 2026,
$2.2 million in 2027, and
$2.4 million in 2028, running through January 31, 2029. Perks include a
$35,000 relocation bonus and
$600 monthly vehicle allowance.
Compare that to Banks, who got a
$2.15 million extension after 2024 but was axed after Tennessee's D ranked
93rd in points allowed and
116th in pass defense in 2025. The Vols owe Banks over
$4.5 million in buyout, though it could shrink if he lands at Auburn as safeties coach.
| Coach | Previous Salary | New/Relevant Deal | Key 2025 Defense Rank |
|-------|-----------------|-------------------|----------------------|
|
Jim Knowles | $3.1M (Penn State) | $6.6M over 3 yrs (Tennessee) | 37th (Penn State) |
|
Tim Banks | $2.15M (Tennessee) | Buyout ~$4.5M | 93rd (Tennessee) |
Heupel's High Praise and What's Next
"Hiring Jim Knowles was our top priority," Heupel gushed. "His defenses are always physical, well-prepared, and can adapt quickly... He's a competitor, a winner."
The Vols' 2024 defense under Banks peaked at
7th nationally, fueling a playoff berth. But 2025's collapse—allowing 30+ points in eight games—forced the change.
Now, Knowles and Heupel face a key decision: reshaping the defensive staff for 2026. With Knowles' adaptability against modern offenses, Tennessee eyes a championship push. Fans are buzzing—this could be the spark Rocky Top needs.
Takeaway for Vols faithful: Expect a physical, playoff-tested unit. If Knowles recaptures Ohio State magic, Tennessee's defense might dominate again. Watch for staff moves and recruiting ripples in the coming weeks.
Sources
1. Tennessee Football Officially Announces Jim Knowles As New Defensive Coordinator
2. Jim Knowles hired as Tennessee defensive coordinator for Josh Heupel
3. Details of Jim Knowles pay, contract as Tennessee defensive coordinator
4. Jim Knowles Named Tennessee Football Defensive Coordinator
5. Ex-Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles hired by Tennessee
6. What Josh Heupel said about hiring Jim Knowles as defensive coordinator
7. JIM KNOWLES HIRED BY TENNESSEE Football, Vols ... - YouTube
