December has been relentless for Tennessee’s coaching staff. Heupel seems like he's been through an entire offseason in a matter of weeks. He has juggled assembling an elite recruiting class, landing a program-altering hire in Jim Knowles, re-recruiting his own roster, and preparing for the Music City Bowl
Based on a recent report, Heupel has even more on his plate. Tennessee has taken an unfortunate hit to its coaching staff ahead of its bowl game against Illinois. The Vols assistant offensive line coach Phil Serchia has decided to take a promotion with James Madison as the tight ends coach, according to CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz.