After building a strong bond over the last three seasons, Penn State linebacker Tony Rojas was hurt by the news that assistant coach Anthony Poindexter was leaving to take a position with the Tennessee defensive staff. In just one simple message put out on social media, it’s easy to tell how much admiration and respect Rojas had for his assistant coach.
“This one hurt,” Rojas wrote on social media on Friday, reacting to Poindexter’s departure news. “One of the rarest coaches I’ve seen actually care for us and build a genuine relationship with every player. Appreciate you and love you coach.”
By Rojas’ message, it’s clear to see just how impactful Poindexter has been with the Penn State players during his five-year stretch in Happy Valley. And while it must be tough for the Nittany Lions’ players, it’s news that Tennessee fans should be thrilled about. By all accounts, Tennessee is getting a top-notch assistant coach who has the ability to connect with his players.
this one hurt 😔 one of the rarest coaches Ive seen actually care for us and build a genuine relationship with every player
appreciate you and love you coach 🤞🏽 https://t.co/ZeTTaalnef
— Tony Rojas (@Tony_Rojas5) January 2, 2026
More From RTI: Tennessee Lands as Finalist For Former Jim Knowles Defensive Player at Penn State
Poindexter was officially announced as Tennessee’s co-defensive coordinator and secondary coach on Friday evening. He spent the last five seasons with the same titles at Penn State, but chose to follow Jim Knowles to Rocky Top for a new opportunity. Poindexter will replace Willie Martinez after Tennessee parted ways with him earlier in the week.
“Dex is an expert on defensive back play and builds amazing relationships with his players,” Knowles said about Poindexter in a statement on Friday.
To the optimistic delight of Tennessee fans, Poindexter knows how to connect with his players because he was a high-level player himself. He was a two-time First-Team All-American at Virginia in 1997 and 1998 and was named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 1998. He also played in 10 games during the Baltimore Ravens’ Super Bowl-winning season in 2000 and spent three seasons in the NFL. Poindexter was even named to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2020.
“It’s a tremendous honor to rejoin Coach Knowles at a place that has as rich of a tradition as Tennessee,” Poindexter said in a statement on Friday. “I want to thank Coach Heupel for this opportunity. Tennessee has a storied tradition of elite defensive backs starting with Eric Berry. I look forward to building relationships with our current players and future Vols as we build a championship culture in our secondary.”
