KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee coach Josh Hueper has hired Jim Knowles as the Volunteers’ new defensive coordinator.
Heupel acted quickly after firing coordinator Tim Banks on Monday, and the Volunteers coach said Thursday that hiring Knowles was a priority from the start.
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“Jim has a proven track record of developing elite defenses with upside, and we saw that firsthand in the 2024 College Football Playoff,” Hueppel said of the Vols’ first-round loss to Ohio State a year ago.
Knowles has coached college football for 38 years, 18 of them as defensive coordinator. He spent the season at Penn State and at Ohio State from 2022 to 2024, helping the Buckeyes win the 2024 national championship.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to work with Coach Heupel and represent Vol Nation,” said Knowles.
During his time at Ohio State, the Buckeyes allowed just 14.9 points and 278.7 yards per game in his three years with Noles. Ohio State went 36-6 and Knowles coached 11 NFL draft picks.
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Hueper said the Knowles defense has always been physical, ready and adaptable against today’s offenses.
“We are excited to welcome Jim to Rocky Top as he helps us in our championship chase,” Hueppel said.
Prior to joining Ohio State, Knowles played at Oklahoma State from 2018-21, Duke from 2011-17 and Western Michigan from 1997-2002. From 2004-09, he served as head coach at his alma mater, Cornell University.
Tennessee (8-4) will face Illinois in the Music City Bowl on Dec. 30 in Nashville. ___
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