Tennessee football is entering a new phase on defense with the addition of Jim Knowles as defensive coordinator.
Head coach Josh Heupel noted the hire was rooted in proven success, adaptability, and culture fit.
Heupel pointed to Knowles’ history of building high-level defenses across multiple stops as a major factor in the decision.
“You look at his track record of success building defenses that play at a at a championship level, being able to do it multiple spots, do it in in a way that fits the personnel that’s there and that you can recruit too,” Heupel said. “The ability to tie all three levels of it together and play really good defense.”
Heupel also emphasized consistency and growth as key traits in Knowles’ résumé.
“His track record of getting better every year, people that have worked with him, who he is, as far as the culture fit, he wants to be involved and grow young men,” Heupel said. “He’s going to coach them hard, but love them hard too. I think put all of that together, certainly the right choice for us and where we want to go.”
In searching for a new defensive coordinator, Heupel said the priority was not starting from scratch but maximizing the strengths of a roster that returns key personnel.
“We’ve got really good personnel, guys that are coming back, and being able to take advantage of their traits where you’re not starting over from ground zero,” Heupel said.
Control across the entire defense and championship standards were also central to the search.
“The ability to control and command all three levels. The ability to build championship level defenses. And, I already talked about the culture piece as well,” Heupel said.
Knowles arrived on campus earlier this week and has already begun the onboarding process, according to Heupel.
“Then him having an opportunity to get introduced in front of the team, be able to watch practice, and what a typical week looks like from us from a practice standpoint.”
Heupel said Knowles’ early focus has been on observation and evaluation as he familiarizes himself with the program.
“The ability to watch and get to know our current roster here, and get to know our staff, all of it, and so he continues to grow in his understanding of who we have here, what it is,” Heupel said. “Ultimately, a big part of it is the projection of the portal and things that we need to give our defense an opportunity to be elite.”
Knowles has not yet met individually with players, but has already begun engaging with the team and recruiting efforts.
“Our 2026 recruits, had the opportunity to communicate with those guys. And that process continues on the recruiting side, you know, with ’27s and then ultimately portal guys here, quickly too, coming up.”
The Volunteers immediate focus is of course on the Music City Bowl. In Nashville, Tennessee will take on Illinois for the chance to secure a 9-win season.
