BREAKING: Tennessee Football Fires Defensive Coordinator Tim Banks After 2025 Defensive Collapse

KNOXVILLE, Tenn.—Tennessee football has officially moved on from defensive coordinator Tim Banks, ending a five-season partnership that began with Josh Heupel’s arrival in 2021. Program insiders confirmed the decision Monday morning, capping weeks of speculation after a disappointing 8-4 campaign in which the Volunteers’ defense ranked 11th in the SEC in both total yards allowed (418.3) and scoring defense (29.7). Why Tennessee dismissed Tim Banks Banks’ unit struggled to generate turnovers and surrendered 40-plus points in three of the final five regular-season games, including a 45-31 loss to rival Georgia that effectively ended the Vols’ New Year’s Six hopes. Despite signing an extension through 2026 last winter, the coordinator could not replicate the defensive uptick seen during Tennessee’s 11-win 2024 season. Statistical slide in 2025 • SEC rankings: 13th in pass defense (276.4 ypg), 12th in sacks (21) • Explosive plays allowed: 67 gains of 20+ yards—most in the Heupel era • Red-zone TD percentage: 71%, up from 55% a year ago Locker-room sources cited communication breakdowns in the secondary and inconsistent linebacker play as primary concerns. “We just never found our identity,” senior safety Wesley Walker said after Saturday’s loss to Vanderbilt. Potential replacements Early names linked to the vacancy include: 1. Glenn Schumann (Georgia co-DC) – respected recruiter with SEC titles. 2. Brian Jean-Mary (Michigan linebackers coach) – coached under Heupel at UCF. 3. Blake Baker (Missouri DC) – top-15 defense in 2025. Heupel is expected to act quickly, hoping to stabilize the unit before the December 15 early signing period. The Vols currently hold the nation’s No. 12 recruiting class but only one blue-chip defensive lineman. What’s next for Tim Banks? Banks, 54, could surface as a candidate for mid-major head-coaching openings given his previous experience at Penn State, Illinois, and Cincinnati. Sources indicated he may also explore an NFL position-coach role, mirroring the path taken by former Vols DC Derrick Ansley. Program outlook heading into 2026 With quarterback Nico Iamaleava returning for his senior season and a veteran offensive line, Tennessee projects as a preseason top-15 team. Defensive improvement is now the chief variable in the Vols’ quest to reach their first SEC Championship Game since 2007. Bottom line Tim Banks’ exit underscores Tennessee’s win-now urgency under Josh Heupel. A fresh defensive philosophy—and a strong close on the recruiting trail—will determine whether the Vols can capitalize on their offensive firepower and rejoin the national playoff conversation next fall.