Tennessee has officially hired veteran defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, the university announced Thursday afternoon.
Knowles is a 38-year coaching veteran with a long track record of building elite and disruptive defenses. He is now Josh Heupel’s new defensive coordinator after the Vols parted ways with Tim Banks earlier this week.
“Hiring Jim Knowles was our top priority from the start of this process,” Heupel said in a statement. “Jim has a proven track record of developing elite defenses that play with an edge, and we got to see that first-hand during the 2024 College Football Playoff.”
Tennessee saw Knowles’ work up close in that matchup. A 42–17 Ohio State win in which the Buckeyes held the Vols to 152 rushing and 256 passing yards. The Buckeyes also limited Tennessee to just 17 first downs and 6-of-16 on third down. That performance showcased the suffocating structure and in-game adaptability that defined Knowles’ tenure in Columbus.
“His defenses are always physical, well prepared and can adapt quickly in-game against today’s complex offenses,” Heupel continued in his statement. “He’s a competitor, a winner and someone who will get the most out of our players in practice and on gameday. We are thrilled to welcome Jim to Rocky Top as he helps us chase championships.”
Knowles arrives in Knoxville after coordinating defenses at Penn State (2025), Ohio State (2022-24), Oklahoma State (2018-21), Duke (2011-17) and Western Michigan (1997-2002). He also served as the head coach at Cornell, his alma mater, from 2004–09.
“I am excited for this opportunity to work with Coach Heupel and represent Vol Nation,” Knowles said in a statement.
Knowles is expected to take over a Tennessee defense that regressed in total defense this past season.
However, Tennessee expects returns from key contributors and a deep young core.
His hiring aligns with Heupel’s push to elevate Tennessee’s ceiling on both sides of the ball as the program continues its pursuit of an SEC championship and College Football Playoff berth.
