It would be awful news for the Vols if Tennessee were to lose a key assistant coach.
It would be detrimental to the football program if the Tennessee Vols lost a key assistant coach this offseason. According to several reports in the past few days, defensive coordinator Tim Banks is being courted by a few Power-4 programs as a defensive coordinator option. Earlier this week, On3 revealed that the Miami Hurricanes are interested in Banks as a replacement for Lance Guidry, who was fired after two seasons in Coral Gables. “Banks may be open to listening to Miami,” On3’s Pete Nakos stated.
Banks has been a huge asset for the Vols, and losing him this offseason would be a huge blow to the football program. I know some Vols fans are upset with Banks after Ohio State got their way with Tennessee’s defense in the first round of the College Football Playoff, but I’m not sure that dissatisfaction is justified after the way Ohio State crushed Oregon in the Rose Bowl. Clemson is also reportedly interested in Banks to replace Wes Goodwin.
Under Banks’ direction, Tennessee’s defense has gotten better over the past four seasons. In 2024, that was particularly crucial because the Vols’ defense was able to step up when Tennessee’s offense faltered. Tennessee has no chance of making it to the 12-team playoffs without Banks’ defense.
Josh Heupel has no clear choice for a replacement if Banks leaves for Miami, Clemson, or another position. Although I’m sure some fans would see Banks’ replacement as a chance for Tennessee’s defense to get better, there’s no assurance that would be the case. After the 2015 season, Butch Jones replaced John Jancek with Bob Shoop, which was a fan favorite but ultimately a complete failure.
Most importantly, if Banks leaves, it would essentially serve as a soft reset for the Vols on the defensive side of the ball. Anytime a new defensive coordinator is hired, it’s likely that some new assistants will come along, too. That means the culture that Tennessee has built on that side of the ball would be altered. That could be for the better or that could be for the worse. It’s a complete unknown how it would go.
Additionally, if Banks leaves, do any players follow him to his new destination? Or do some of Tennessee’s defensive players hit the transfer portal (in the spring)? Again, it’s a risk. And no one knows the answers to those concerns.
Although no defensive coordinator is flawless (no one is), Banks, who hasn’t signed a contract with Tennessee into the 2024 campaign, has been an excellent assistant coach for the Vols since joining the program in early 2021. Fans should feel uneasy about him leaving at a time when the Vols defense is performing at a high level.
The old saying “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it” certainly applies here. Tennessee needs to make sure they keep Banks this offseason. The last thing the program needs right now is to take a gamble on a new defensive coordinator. That’s a decision that could backfire terribly if it doesn’t work out.
