Josh Heupel releases statement on firing Tim Banks, announces interim DC for bowl game
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The Tennessee Volunteers were expected to field one of the best defenses in college football this season. Unfortunately, things didn’t work out that way.
Tennessee went from allowing 16.1 points per game — 7th-best in the country — in 2024 to 28.8 points per game in 2025 (92nd). The drop off led the school to fire defensive coordinator Tim Banks on Monday.
Tennessee’s press release announcing the news came shortly after news of the move broke. Head coach Josh Heupel thanked Banks for his contributions and called his dismissal a “tough decision” in his statement on the matter.
I want to thank Tim for everything he has done for Tennessee the last five seasons. He helped restore our program to national prominence. More importantly, Tim is a great man of character and someone I have the utmost respect for. We wish Tim all the best moving forward. These are tough decisions but one I ultimately felt was necessary for the future of our program. We are fully committed to identifying our next defensive coordinator who will uphold the standard that Tennessee has historically been known for.
Linebackers coach William Inge will serve as the Vols’ defensive coordinator for their bowl game.
Inge, a former co-DC at Washington (2022-23) and DC at Fresno State (2020-21), joined Tennessee’s staff in 2024. The Volunteers will face the Illinois Fighting Illini in the Music City Bowl at 5:30 p.m. E.T. on Tuesday, Dec. 30 (ESPN).
