Tennessee football has its next defensive coordinator. After Jim Knowles wasn’t retained by the new staff at Penn State, Josh Heupel made the quick move to pick him up following the firing of Tim Banks.
Banks helped the Vols produce one of the best defenses in the country in 2024, but the unit fell off a cliff in 2025. So, how quickly will Knowles get the group back on track? If you look at his past stops, it may not be an instant change.
In his first year at Duke in 2010, his defense ranked 109th in the country in points allowed per game. However, by 2014, it ranked inside the top-25. It was a similar story at his next stop at Oklahoma State. He had the Cowboys at 97th in points allowed per game in year one, but had it all the way up to No. 9 in his fourth and final season there.
Ohio State was another example. In his first season, 2022, the group ranked 24th in points allowed per game. In 2023, it was up to No. 2, and it topped the country in 2024.
His lone season at Penn State saw the same trend potentially beginning to form, as well. The Nittany Lions were at No. 37 in points allowed per game, but were without head coach James Franklin for a good chunk of the year.
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Due to this trend, some college football personalities are asking Tennessee fans for patience. Brooks Austin laid it out as follows on his X account.
“Jim Knowles to Tennessee has a chance to be really good,” Austin wrote. “But first years in that system are tough. It’s intricate. It’s detailed. It takes time. If you’re patient enough, great hire.”
On3 reporter and RTI Low-Down co-host Chris Low had similar thoughts. He said this on his X account.
“Knowles’ defenses are complex, but he has a track record of turning bad to average defenses into top 25 defenses or better over time,” Low wrote. “He did it at Duke, Oklahoma State and Ohio State. Worked for David Cutcliffe two different times.”
Tennessee will play in the Music City Bowl on Dec. 30 against Illinois before attacking the transfer portal to supplement holes across the team. Knowles will be asked to replace some departing talent, but will have a solid base to work with, as well.
One Response
Stupid fans (of which we (TN) have many) will take to social media DURING the 2026 season and roast him. For the rest of us, who have half a brain, will be happy to give him the time needed. TN is a young team, with key positiin injuries. Banks would have us back if we gave him time. VFL, GBO! Class of ’79