The Tennessee Volunteers started off the week with a major move by releasing defensive coordinator Tim Banks. They are ending it by keeping two important members of their coaching staff in place for the near future.
According to On3 Sports insider Chris Low, Tennessee has reached two-year contract extensions with offensive coordinator Joey Halzle and wide receivers coach Kelsey Pope, with the latter adding pass game coordinator to his duties.
Both men certainly deserve the new deals they received. The Vols’ offense was one of the best and most explosive in the country in 2025. Tennessee averaged 40.8 points per game, which was seventh in the nation and tops in the SEC. They were also fifth nationally in passing yards per game (307.2) and fourth in total offense with 482 yards per game. Tennessee’s offense was also balanced and spread the wealth in the passing game, with the team’s top three receivers all eclipsing 770 receiving yards.
And Pope deserves a lot of credit for that output. Chris Brazzell II had a breakout season with 1017 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns. Mike Matthews and Braylon Staley – who earned SEC Freshman of the Year honors – formed the best receiving trio in the SEC. Five-star signee Tristen Keys is on his way here next year as well. After losing so many receivers to the NFL and transfer portal after last year, it’s been a terrific end to a crazy year for Pope.
It’s a well-deserved extension for both men.
