After a dreadful 2025 season, Tim Banks will not return to his post as Tennessee’s defensive coordinator. According to Austin Price at Volquest, Banks has been let go and Josh Heupel will go in a new direction.
Banks has been with Heupel since he arrived at Tennessee back in 2021. After a very strong 2024 season, Tennessee took a huge step backwards this year and finished 88th in total defense.
Banks is owed $4.3 million as part of his buyout.
Tennessee dealt with a number of injuries on the defensive side of the ball this season, which included losing star cornerback Jermod McCoy for the season due to an ACL tear. The Volunteers also lost Rickey Gibson for the year during the first week of the season. Tennessee also dealt with a handful of injuries up front.
Still, the Volunteers gave up nearly 400 yards per game this season and frustrations continued to grow. Tennessee gave up over 30 points on seven different occasions, culminating with a blowout loss to Vanderbilt to close the season.
Linebackers coach William Inge will serve as the interim defensive coordinator for the bowl game.
