New Tennessee AD Phillip Fulmer is narrowing down the Vols’ coaching search.

It appears that Fulmer is targeting defensive candidates, too.

Auburn DC Kevin Steele and Georgia DC Mel Tucker have both had their second interviews for the vacancy, and ESPN’s Chris Low is reporting that Alabama DC Jeremy Pruitt will also get a second interview.

Interestingly, all three candidates have coached under Nick Saban at Alabama. Steele, currently Auburn’s DC, served in four different roles at Alabama in 2007, 2008, 2013 and 2014. Tucker, currently Georgia’s DC, coached under Saban in 2015 before following Kirby Smart to Athens. Tucker also coached in the NFL from 2005-2014. Pruitt is currently Alabama’s DC.

It was also reported that Fulmer was interested in SMU’s Chad Morris, but he appears to be headed to Arkansas, although nothing is official as of Wednesday morning. Tennessee spoke to Les Miles, but Miles to Tennessee isn’t happening, according to reports.

Following a botched coaching search by former AD John Currie, Fulmer is taking his time and making the right decision for the Vols. It was important for Tennessee’s coaching search to hit the restart button.

Bruce Feldman also is hearing that Pruitt is a strong candidate for the vacancy.