Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel has relieved defensive coordinator Tim Banks of his duties. It ends Banks’ five-season tenure on Rocky Top.
The change comes after a season in which the Volunteers slipped sharply on defense.
The Vols fell from a top-10 unit to 87th nationally in total defense.
“I want to thank Tim for everything he has done for Tennessee the last five seasons,” Heupel said in a statement. “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.”
Heupel added: “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.”
This is the first time in Heupel’s eight seasons as a head coach that he has parted ways with an assistant coach.
Banks’ departure follows a recent high point on his resume at Tennessee.
In 2024, he became the first defensive coordinator in program history to be named a finalist for the Broyles Award. The award is presented annually to college football’s top assistant coach. Banks was just the third coach in UT history, across all positions, to be named a finalist.
Inge to take over on interim basis
The university announced Monday that William Inge will assume interim defensive coordinator duties. Inge, Tennessee’s linebackers coach, will serve as the interim coordinator for the Liberty Mutual Music City Bowl.
Inge brings significant experience in the role, including 10 years as a defensive coordinator. He served as co-defensive coordinator at Washington (2022-23) and defensive coordinator at Fresno State (2020-21).
At Washington, Inge’s defenses were part of a two-season run in which the Huskies went 25-3, highlighted by a 2023 Pac-12 championship and an appearance in the 2024 College Football Playoff national championship game after winning 14 straight.
At Fresno State in 2021, the Bulldogs ranked among the nation’s top 25 in several defensive categories. Which includes scoring defense (20th, 20.5), tackles for loss (17th, 7.0), turnovers gained (15th, 24), fumble recoveries (fourth, 13), third-down conversion defense (24th, 34.4) and fourth-down conversion defense (seventh, 35.0). Fresno State finished 10-3 that season and won the New Mexico Bowl.
What’s next
Tennessee will face Illinois on Dec. 30 in Nashville in the Music City Bowl. Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. ET (4:30 p.m. CT) at Nissan Stadium.
