Former XFL coach has reportedly interviewed for Vanderbilt job

As winless Vanderbilt continues its search for its next head coach, a new candidate has emerged.

Veteran NFL assistant Jonathan Hayes recently interviewed for the position, according to CBS Sports’ Dennis Dodd. Hayes boasts vast football experience ranging from college to the pros.

Hayes has served as an assistant for the Bengals and collegiately at Oklahoma. Hayes was also the head coach of the XFL’s St. Louis BattleHawks.

Hayes played 12 years in the NFL with the Chiefs and Steelers after excelling at Iowa.

Sources: Jonathan Hayes has interviewed at Vanderbilt. Long-time NFL assistant (Bengals). Four years under Bob Stoops at Oklahoma. Head coach of XFL St. Louis BattleHawks. 12-year NFL veteran with Chiefs and Steelers. Starred at Iowa.

— Dennis Dodd (@dennisdoddcbs) December 9, 2020

Former Vanderbilt lineman Bruno Reagan, who played for Hayes in the XFL, offered his endorsement on Twitter:

:O. Vanderbilt fans..this guy is real. Obviously he has been on the pro level for a long time. I was with him on the Battlehawks in the XFL. We al loves the dude https://t.co/epoN3EzzaM

— Bruno Reagan (@BrunoReagan) December 9, 2020

Vanderbilt fired Derek Mason on Nov. 29 after six seasons. Mason finished 27-55 overall in his tenure at Vanderbilt.

Todd Fitch is currently serving as interim head coach. Vanderbilt hosts Tennessee (2-6) on Saturday in their home finale.

Rolando Rosa