Heupel Overhauls Tennessee Football Coaching Staff After Disappointing Season

Updated Jan. 2, 2026, 7:56 p.m. ET

Tennessee football coach Josh Heupel has overhauled his defensive coaching staff for the 2026 season. The changes follow a disappointing 2025 season and the hiring of new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. Heupel fired numerous assistants and did not retain the strength coach.

Heupel announced his 2026 Tennessee football coaching staff after firing multiple assistants and reshaping it for new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles.

UT announced the staff changes on Jan. 2, three days after the Vols (8-5) lost 30-28 to Illinois in the Music City Bowl to finish a disappointing 2025 season.

Heupel fired defensive coordinator Tim Banks and secondary coach Willie Martinez. Outside linebacker coach Levorn Harbin will no longer be part of the on-field coaching staff.

Heupel did not retain strength coach.

Heupel Restructures Tennessee Football Staff, Focuses on Defense

Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel has made notable changes to his football staff, notably on the defensive side, as the new year begins. Heupel expressed his excitement about the newly assembled defensive staff, highlighting their experience and track record in recruiting, player development, and coaching technique from the Big Ten and SEC. The coaches are already working with defensive coordinator Jim Knowles to “restore the standard of defense” at Tennessee.

While a new strength coach hasn’t been hired yet,Heupel has time,as players are currently on winter break until January 20th.

On the offensive side, Heupel’s entire staff is set to return for the 2026 season after leading the SEC in scoring with an average of 39.8 points per game. offensive coordinator Joey Halzle and wide receivers coach Kelsey Pope both received raises and contract extensions through the 2027 season. Glen Elarbee (offensive line) is also contracted through 2027, while De’Rail Sims (running backs) and Alec abeln (tight ends) are under contract through 2026. Evan crabtree will continue as special teams coordinator through 2027.

these staff adjustments come as the transfer portal opened on January 2nd, making coaching staff stability crucial for the Volunteers.

Why Jim Knowles wanted these new assistant coaches at Tennessee will be a key focus as the program looks to build on it’s recent success and elevate its defensive performance.

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