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Report: Tennessee, defensive coordiantor Tim Banks finalizing extension

IMG_0985by: Griffin McVeigh01/15/25griffin_mcveigh
tennessee-defensive-coordinator-tim-banks-on-team-overcoming-long-layoff-between-games
(Courtesy of Tennessee Athletics)

According to ESPN’s Chris Low, Tim Banks will sign an extension to keep him as the Tennessee defensive coordinator. Banks has been a Broyles Award finalist in years past and seen his name pop up in the coaching carousel. But this will end any kind of rumors, keeping him on Rocky Top for the foreseeable future.

“Tim Banks and Tennessee are finalizing an extension for him to remain as @Vol_Football’s defensive coordinator, sources tell ESPN,” Low said via X. “Banks, a Broyles Award finalist, led one of the top defenses in college football last season, holding 11 of 13 opponents under 20 points.”

Banks has been a college coach for nearly three decades, dating back to 1996 with Bowling Green. For the most part, his background is coaching defensive backs as he was a cornerback at Central Michigan during his playing days. Along with being the DC, Banks coaches safeties for Tennessee.

When Josh Heupel was hired ahead of the 2021 season, he was able to snag Banks from Penn State. He spent five seasons in Happy Valley under James Franklin as the co-DC and safeties coach.

Tom Allen recently left the Nittany Lions for Clemson, leaving the program’s defensive coordinator role open. Banks was linked to the job but securing this extension means he will not be heading back to Penn State. A massive win for Tennessee after making significant strides this season.

Making the College Football Playoff had been a goal in Knoxville for quite some time. Getting there was seen as an accomplishment for the Vols and something to build off of. Even though the result was not favorable — losing to Ohio State on the road in the first round — excitement will build moving forward.

Especially with Banks running the defense. Tennessee was the No. 7 scoring defense in the country last year, allowing just 16.1 points per game. Just three opponents, Georgia, Ohio State, and Vanderbilt, scored more than 20 points on Banks’ unit.

Talent was all over the field for Tennessee, as will show in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft.

Making sure the same elite performance remained ultimately came down to Banks remaining with the program. An extension secured his future and ends any outside noise about him potentially leaving for another defensive coordinator job.