KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee coach Josh Heupel 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 that play with an edge, and we saw that firsthand in the 2024 College Football Playoff,” Heupel said of the Vols’ first-round loss to Ohio State a year ago.
Knowles coached college football for 38 years, including 18 years as defensive coordinator. He spent this season at Penn State and was at Ohio State from 2022-2024, helping the Buckeyes win the 2024 national championship.
“I am excited for this opportunity to work with Coach Heupel and represent Vol Nation,” Knowles said.
During his time at Ohio State, the Buckeyes allowed just 14.9 points and 278.7 yards per game over a three-year span with Knowles. Ohio State went 36-6 and Knowles coached 11 NFL draft picks.
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Heupel said Knowles’ defenses are always physical, prepared and adaptable in games against today’s offenses.
“We are excited to welcome Jim to Rocky Top as he helps us pursue championships,” Heupel said.
Prior to Ohio State, Knowles was at Oklahoma State from 2018-21, Duke from 2011-17 and Western Michigan from 1997-2002. He was head coach at Cornell, his alma mater, from 2004-09.
Tennessee (8-4) faces Illinois on Dec. 30 at the Music City Bowl in Nashville. ___
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