Tennessee entered 2026 with significant changes across its football operation, including a major focus on the defensive side of the program. Head coach Josh Heupel brought in Jim Knowles as the new defensive coordinator, giving the Vols a new voice leading the defense.
Knowles arrived with extensive experience, having previously coordinated defenses at Penn State, Ohio State, Oklahoma State, Duke and West Michigan. His arrival represents one of the biggest changes to Tennessee’s coaching structure as the Volunteers look to establish a new defensive identity.
The reshuffle also included several coaches who had previously worked with Knowles. Anthony Poindexter joined as co-defensive coordinator and secondary coach, while Andrew Jackson took over the LEOs role and Derek Jones was added to coach the cornerbacks. Rodney Garner and William Inge remained on the defensive staff.
The changes extend beyond the coaching staff. Tennessee also brought in Derek Owings to oversee football sports performance, while the 2026 roster underwent substantial turnover, with 46 new players joining the program—22 transfers and 24 high-school early enrollees.
For Heupel, the challenge is bringing all of those new pieces together quickly. He has emphasized accountability, player development and clearly defining what it means to be a Volunteer, particularly with the amount of roster movement created by the modern college-football landscape.
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