Jeremy Pruitt has yet to officially be named Tennessee’s next head coach, but all reports indicate the deal is done and that the former Alabama defensive coordinator will be leading the Volunteers in 2018. The decision to hire Pruitt appears to be a solid one given the alternatives after a three week plus search, but his ultimate success on Rocky Top very well could depend on the staff he assembles.

Based on initial reports, expect Pruitt to go with coaches that he is very familiar with and that have extensive knowledge of what it takes to win and recruit in the SEC.

FootballScoop hints that Arkansas offensive coordinator Dan Enos could be joining Pruitt’s Tennessee staff in the same capacity. One of the SEC’s best coordinators and quarterback coaches, Enos helped resurrect the career of QB Brandon Allen in Fayetteville before molding his younger brother Austin into one of the SEC’s best QBs as a junior.

The article also hints that longtime SEC DL coach Tracy Rocker could be joining the Tennessee staff.

According to Bruce Feldman of FOX Sports and Sports Illustrated, Pruitt will first look to Colorado State offensive coordinator Will Friend to be his offensive line coach at Tennessee. Friend was a two-time All-SEC performer and four-year starter at Alabama. He’s coached at UAB and Georgia before landing at Colorado State.

While most Tennessee fans had hoped Tee Martin would find his way onto the new staff at Tennessee, it appears he won’t. However, another USC coach may be joining the staff in Tyson Helton. Tyson is the younger brother of USC coach Clay Helton and won Football Scoop’s 2016 QB Coach of the Year Award.

Current Georgia outside linebacker Kevin Sherrer may also be in the mix to join the staff. He started out his coaching career in high school at Hoover High, just as Pruitt did, before joining Alabama’s staff. He’s been a defensive coordinator at South Alabama and was Director of Player Development on the Crimson Tide staff for three seasons.