Tennessee officially announced Brady Hoke as the Volunteers’ new associate head coach and defensive line coach. Former position coach Steve Stripling was named the director of football program development, an off-field position.

Hoke joins UT after serving as Oregon’s defensive coordinator last season. Prior to joining the Ducks staff, Hoke was an FBS head coach for 12 seasons at Ball State (2003-08), San Diego State (2009-10) and Michigan (2011-14). He has 18 seasons experience as a defensive line coach. That extensive background on the defensive line combined with Hoke’s reputation as a recruiter makes him an exciting hire for the Vols.

“Tennessee has a great tradition, a great program and a rabid fanbase,” Hoke said in a school release. “That is something you always want to be involved with. To come here and be a part of this staff — Coach Jones and I have known each other a long time — it’s something that we are very excited about and can’t wait to get started.”

Hoke also mentioned his familiarity with defensive coordinator Bob Shoop and linebackers coach Tommy Thigpen.

“I think we will work great together,” he said. “These guys are all very professional at what they do. They are all in it for the right reason — to see kids grow from a spiritual standpoint to an academic and an athletic standpoint. Coach Shoop and I have been able to talk some and get together and I know Coach Thigpen. It’s something that we are very excited about. We can’t wait to get it started.”

Jones also expressed his excitement about the opportunity to coach alongside Hoke.

“We are excited to welcome Brady and Laura Hoke to the football family,” Jones said. “We feel extremely fortunate to get someone of Coach Hoke’s caliber that will continue to develop our defensive linemen while also providing expertise and experience to all of our players and coaching staff. He has an extensive track record of success as a head coach and on the defensive side of the ball. He will be a great fit to our entire organization.”

The fifth-year coach said Stripling will be involved with all facets of the team.