Ad Disclosure
Tennessee adds former All-SEC Vols standout to Josh Heupel’s staff, per report
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Tennessee is reportedly hiring a former Volunteer standout who will join the defensive staff of Josh Heupel in time for the 2025 season.
According to Matt Zenitz with CBS Sports, Tennessee is hiring former defensive line star Marion Hobby. He has been a defensive line coach in the NFL since 2017, working with various franchises, most recently serving with the Cincinnati Bengals from 2021 to 2024.
Hobby was a 3-year starter for Johnny Majors’ Vols in the late 1980s, earning first-team All-SEC honors in 1989, and became a 3rd-round pick in the 1990 NFL Draft. He returned to Knoxville for a brief stint on Phillip Fulmer’s staff in the late 90s and also spent time at Ole Miss, Duke and Clemson, including during the 2016 national title under Dabo Swinney.
While with the Bengals, Hobby helped guide the franchise to a Super Bowl appearance and back-to-back AFC Championship Game appearances. He worked alongside star DL such as Trey Hendrickson, Sheldon Rankins and Sam Hubbard during his stint in Cincinnati.
Hobby returns to Knoxville not just as a former Vol but with 25 years of experience working with the defensive line. He should be a solid addition to Tennessee for the season ahead.
While the Vols are not among the favorites in the SEC this fall, Tennessee maintains strong odds to reach the 2025 College Football Playoff in the preseason. Fans can track those odds throughout the summer and get in on the action with the TN sports betting apps.
Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.
