The biggest storyline during the brief break between the Vanderbilt loss and the Music City Bowl was what would happen at the defensive coordinator spot. The Vols made the College Football playoffs in 2024 primarily due to the defense, but the regression was too much for fans and Josh Heupel to handle.
Tim Banks was eventually fired after signing day and linebackers coach William Inge, who brought Washington to the national title game in 2023, was promoted to interim Defensive coordinator while Heupel found his long-term solution.
Tennessee landed on Jim Knowles from Penn State to fill the defensive coordinator role, but for now, it’s William Inge running the defense as the Vols prepare for the Music City Bowl.