Josh Heupel announces hire of Jim Knowles as Tennessee defensive coordinator
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Tennessee officially has its new defensive coordinator. Josh Heupel announced the hiring of Jim Knowles on Thursday.
“Hiring Jim Knowles was our top priority from the start of this process,” Heupel said in a program release. “Jim has a proven track record of developing elite defenses that play with an edge, and we got to see that first-hand during the 2024 College Football Playoff. His defenses are always physical, well prepared and can adapt quickly in-game against today’s complex offenses. He’s a competitor, a winner and someone who will get the most out of our players in practice and on gameday. We are thrilled to welcome Jim to Rocky Top as he helps us chase championships.”
Knowles lands on Rocky Top after spending the 2025 season at Penn State. Knowles was previously at Ohio State from 2022-24. As Heupel referenced, Knowles’ Buckeyes faced Tennessee in the CFP en route to winning the 2024 national championship.
Under Knowles, Ohio State allowed 14.9 points per game and 278.7 yards per contest, which were best in the nation over his 3 seasons as defensive coordinator. The 2024 national championship squad finished first first in the nation in scoring defense (12.9), total defense (254.6) and yards per play allowed (4.19).
“I am excited for this opportunity to work with Coach Heupel and represent Vol Nation,” Knowles said via UT.
Knowles replaces the recently dismissed Tim Banks. Banks is reportedly heading to Auburn as the team’s new safeties coach.
Welcome to Rocky Top, @CoachJimKnowles!
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) December 11, 2025
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Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
