Tennessee is in the midst of searching for its next offensive coordinator. Former coordinator Mike Bajakian left this week to become the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback coach.

Bajakian’s departure comes just two weeks ahead of National Signing Day, and he joined WNML Radio to explain why he jumped at the opportunity, via Times Free Press.

“It’s definitely something that’s always been in the back of my mind,” Bajakian said. “Obviously we’ve had a great run and a great experience the last eight years with Coach Jones at the stops we’ve had. But when this opportunity came along and the opportunity to compete at the highest level, the pinnacle of the profession, with the best athletes in the world, I just had to take it.

“It’s the highest level,” he added. “It’s the best football in the world. I think everybody wants to compete at the highest level and have that chance to be the best of the best, and obviously this affords me the opportunity to do that.”

The recruiting class isn’t figured to be hurt too much, and Butch Jones will make the right hire and, arguably, the most important hire of his head coaching career.

Joshua Dobbs’ improvement under Bajakian was obvious, and Jones is tasked with not only finding a great coordinator, but also finding a great developer at the position.