REPORTS: Tennessee Adds Anthony Poindexter as Co-Defensive Coordinator

Tennessee continued its defensive reset this week by adding Anthony Poindexter as co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach.

Austin Price with Volquest one of the first to report the news on Friday.

The hire reflects a broader shift in philosophy under head coach Josh Heupel.

Poindexter joins defensive coordinator Jim Knowles as Tennessee works to address recurring defensive issues. Those issues include pass coverage, physicality, and consistency.

The timing matters.

The transfer portal is open, and Tennessee is reshaping both its staff and roster ahead of the 2026 season.

Poindexter brings more than two decades of collegiate coaching experience. Most recently, he served as co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach at Penn State.

Since his arrival in 2021, four Penn State safeties were drafted into the NFL. Three were selected in the first three rounds.

Penn State’s defense ranked among the nation’s best during the 2024 season. The Nittany Lions finished fourth in the FBS in interceptions, seventh in total defense, eighth in scoring defense, 10th in takeaways, and 13th in passes defended.

Tennessee’s interest appears rooted in Poindexter’s coaching profile. His secondaries were disciplined, physical, and effective in coverage.

Those areas have been weaknesses for Tennessee during the Heupel era.

Poindexter’s co-defensive coordinator title suggests Tennessee is emphasizing experience and collaboration. It also reflects the trust Knowles has in Poindexter.

The two coached together for one season at Penn State.

Ahead of the 2025 season, Poindexter was a candidate for the Nittany Lions’ defensive coordinator position. That changed when Knowles became available.

Following a historically impressive 2024 season at Ohio State, Penn State moved to hire Knowles. Poindexter supported the decision, according to an article from State College.

“Me and Coach were in conversation the whole time,” Poindexter said on Tuesday. “And when we had a chance to go get Coach Knowles, I was like, ‘Oh, we gotta go get him, make our program better.’ And, obviously, he had the No. 1 defense in the country a year ago, great d-coordinator. I’ve actually been knowing him down through the years. So, I was excited for it.”

The duo reunite on Rocky Top just as the transfer portal opens.