Tennessee Finalizing Extension With Defensive Coordinator Tim Banks
By Ric Butler
Tennessee is set to keep one of its key coaching figures in place, as the Vols are reportedly finalizing a contract extension with defensive coordinator Tim Banks. According to ESPN’s Chris Low, the deal will ensure that Banks remains at the helm of Tennessee’s defense 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 reported. “Banks, a Broyles Award finalist, led one of the top defenses in college football last season, holding 11 of 13 opponents under 20 points.”
This announcement marks the first major coaching decision for Tennessee since the team’s season concluded with a playoff loss to Ohio State. While the Vols recently hired former Oklahoma quarterback Landry Jones as an offensive analyst to replace McKenzie Milton, who departed for UCF, Banks’ extension is the most significant development regarding Tennessee’s primary coaching staff.
Banks initially joined head coach Josh Heupel’s staff in 2021, taking charge of the defense after previous stints at Penn State, Illinois, and Cincinnati. In addition to his duties as defensive coordinator, Banks also serves as the safeties coach.
A Rising Defensive Power
Over the past four seasons, Banks has played a critical role in transforming Tennessee’s defense. His ability to recruit and develop talent at every level has resulted in steady improvement each year. The 2024 season, in particular, showcased a significant leap in performance, with Tennessee’s defense allowing just 16.1 points per game. Impressively, the Vols held 11 of their 13 opponents under 20 points and limited eight of their ten Power 4 opponents to scores below their season averages.
The 2024 defense also earned top-20 rankings in multiple statistical categories, including:
Total defense (6th)
Third-down conversion percentage (7th)
Fourth-down conversion percentage (3rd)
First-down defense (17th)
Rushing defense (10th)
Team tackles for loss (8th)
Banks’ tenure at Tennessee has been marked by two standout periods of defensive growth. After his first season in 2021, the Vols significantly improved by reducing opponent scoring by 82 points in 2022. However, the transformation during the 2024 season was even more dramatic. Once considered an offense-first program, Tennessee’s defensive prowess became its hallmark, carrying the team to its first-ever College Football Playoff appearance.
Here’s a breakdown of the Vols’ defensive improvement under Banks:
2024: 209 points allowed, 3,812 total yards allowed
2023: 264 points allowed, 4,357 total yards allowed
2022: 296 points allowed, 5,269 total yards allowed
2021: 378 points allowed, 5,482 total yards allowed
The numbers highlight Tennessee’s transformation from a team dependent on its offense to one that thrives on defensive dominance.
Securing the Future
Despite rumors linking Banks to other defensive coordinator positions following the 2024 season, he appears set to continue building on his success in Knoxville. Banks originally signed a three-year, $4.2 million contract with Tennessee in 2021, which was later extended through the 2024 season. This latest extension underscores the university’s commitment to retaining one of the top defensive minds in college football.
While some fans may still be reeling from Tennessee’s 42-point loss to Ohio State in the playoffs, the broader picture paints a much brighter narrative. Banks was instrumental in leading the Vols to one of their most successful seasons since their championship run in the late 1990s. His defensive strategies played a pivotal role in Tennessee’s ability to compete at the highest level and make their historic College Football Playoff debut.
A Track Record of Player Development
In addition to his on-field accomplishments, Banks has excelled in developing NFL-caliber talent. Under his guidance, several Tennessee players have made the leap to the professional level, including defensive tackle Matthew Butler, defensive backs Theo Jackson, Alontae Taylor, and Kamal Hadden, and defensive end Byron Young. Defensive end James Pearce Jr., a standout player under Banks, is projected to be a first-round draft pick in 2025.
Banks’ extension solidifies stability within Tennessee’s coaching staff and ensures continuity for a defense that has become the cornerstone of the program. With Banks staying put, the Vols can look forward to building on their recent success and striving for even greater achievements in the coming seasons.
