Tennessee parts ways with defensive coordinator Tim Banks

Tennessee football and defensive coordinator Tim Banks have parted ways on Monday. Austin Price of Volquest/On3 was the first to report the news, and Tennessee made it official shortly afterward. "I want to thank Tim for everything he has done for Tennessee the last five seasons," Vols head coach Josh Heupel said in a statement. "He helped restore our program to national prominence. More importantly, Tim is a great man of character and someone I have the utmost respect for. We wish Tim all the best moving forward." Banks has been the defensive coordinator at Tennessee since Heupel arrived on campus in 2021. He also acted as the team's safeties positional coach. Banks was a finalist for the Broyles Award in 2024, after the Vols defense allowed just 16.1 points per game, seventh in all of FBS. They also were sixth in total yards per game (293) and fifth in yards per carry allowed (3.0). The performance earned the defensive coordinator a new contract with Tennessee. However, the defensive unit took a major step backwards in 2025. UT ranked 92nd in the country in points per game allowed (28.8). It allowed 395 yards per contest, placing 14th in the SEC and 88th in FBS. The Vols also were 84th in third-down conversion percentage allowed, 40.5%. "These are tough decisions but one I ultimately felt was necessary for the future of our program," Heupel said. "We are fully committed to identifying our next defensive coordinator who will uphold the standard that Tennessee has historically been known for." On3's Chris Low reports the buyout for Banks will be in the range of $4.3 million after the new deal signed last year. Linebackers coach William Inge will serve as the team's interim defensive coordinator. Inge joined the staff leading into the 2024 season. He has most recently served as a defensive coordinator from 2022-23 at Washington, where he was the co-DC and linebackers coach. Inge also has been a defensive coordinator at Fresno State, Indiana, Buffalo and Northern Iowa. The move marks the first time Heupel has terminated the contract of one of his assistants in his entire career as a head coach. Tennessee will take on Illinois in the Music City Bowl on Dec. 30 at 5:30 p.m.