Tennessee DC Tim Banks linked to head coaching vacancy
By Luke Greco
Published:
The University of Toledo is in search of a new head coach, and one name that has been linked to the search is Tennessee defensive coordinator Tim Banks.
Banks was mentioned as a “name to watch” along with several other coaches in a recent story from the Toledo Blade’s David Briggs.
Banks, who has been with Tennessee since 2021, has strong ties to the MAC. He played for Central Michigan from 1991 to 1994 as a cornerback. He was a four-year letterwinner for the Chippewas and was a two-time All-MAC second team selection at cornerback. He was also a co-captain on the Chippewas’ 1994 MAC Championship team.
Banks, 53, has also had coaching stops at Bowling Green and Central Michigan.
In the 2024 season, Banks helped lead one of the country’s top defenses. His defense held 11 of its 13 opponents under 20 points, and they finished fifth nationally in yards per play allowed (4.56). However, Tennessee struggled on defense in 2025 and finished 64th nationally in yards per play allowed.
The Rockets’ past coach, Jason Candle, has accepted the head football coaching job at the University of Connecticut. He signed a six-year deal with the Huskies. During his time with Toledo, he led the Rockets to an 81-44 overall record and captured 2 MAC titles. Candle was also named the MAC Coach of the Year two times in 2017 and 2023.
Toledo went 6-2 in conference and 8-4 overall this year. They finished tied for second in the conference.
