A former quarterback for the Tennessee Volunteers is a possible choice to be Kellen Moore’s assistant coach.

As the 2025 NFL offseason unfolds, teams are making moves, reshuffling coaching staffs, and looking to secure the best minds in football to help elevate their programs. One of the most talked-about coaching vacancies right now is the potential assistant role under offensive coordinator Kellen Moore with the Los Angeles Chargers, and there is growing buzz around the possibility of a former Tennessee Volunteers quarterback being considered for this prestigious position. While Moore has already established himself as a creative and dynamic offensive mind, the addition of a seasoned quarterback, especially one with a connection to a major college football program, could prove to be a game-changing decision for the Chargers.

The idea of a former quarterback stepping into a coaching role to work under Moore is compelling for several reasons. First, it brings fresh perspectives and insights into quarterback development, something Moore, as a former quarterback himself, understands intimately. Second, it provides the Chargers with the opportunity to tap into an already successful football pedigree that is steeped in the culture of high-level football competition.

In this piece, we will explore the potential impact of such a hire, who the former quarterback from Tennessee could be, and why his inclusion in the coaching staff would benefit the Los Angeles Chargers and Kellen Moore’s offensive philosophy. Moreover, we’ll take a look at the broader context of how former college quarterbacks transitioning into coaching positions can reshape the future of NFL offenses.

The Chargers’ Offensive Makeover Under Kellen Moore

The Los Angeles Chargers made one of the most talked-about hires of the 2025 offseason by bringing in Kellen Moore as their new offensive coordinator. Moore’s rise in the coaching ranks has been nothing short of impressive. He previously served as the Dallas Cowboys’ offensive coordinator, where he was instrumental in the development of star quarterback Dak Prescott and the creation of an offense that was among the league’s best. Under Moore’s leadership, the Cowboys’ offense became more explosive and balanced, often relying on an up-tempo pace and innovative concepts to get the most out of its players.

Moore, who played quarterback at Boise State and had a brief stint in the NFL as a player, has long been known for his offensive mind and ability to think outside the box. His approach to designing offenses focuses on maximizing the strengths of his quarterbacks, utilizing quick passes, and deploying an aggressive passing game while remaining versatile enough to implement a strong ground attack. The Los Angeles Chargers, with their franchise quarterback Justin Herbert, could see significant improvements in their offensive output under Moore’s tutelage.

However, even with Moore’s offensive brilliance, an assistant coach with a background in quarterback play could be the missing link in taking Herbert’s development to the next level. Enter the possibility of a former Tennessee Volunteers quarterback joining the Chargers’ staff.

Why a Former Tennessee Volunteers Quarterback Could Be the Ideal Choice

When you look at the history of the Tennessee Volunteers football program, it becomes clear that they have produced some incredible quarterbacks, both in terms of college success and professional potential. A former Tennessee quarterback transitioning to a coaching role could bring invaluable experience and credibility to the Chargers’ staff, especially in helping to coach up Herbert, who has enormous upside but has yet to consistently reach the full potential of his talent.

A former Vols quarterback in this assistant coaching role could offer a few distinct advantages:

1. Experience with High-Level Quarterback Play

Tennessee has long been a program known for producing quarterbacks capable of excelling at the highest level. Historically, Peyton Manning stands out as one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game, and his success in the NFL set a blueprint for future Tennessee quarterbacks. While no one expects a direct comparison between Justin Herbert and Manning, the Vols’ track record of developing quarterbacks provides a solid foundation for a former player from that program to offer key insights into what makes a successful signal-caller in the NFL.

A former Tennessee quarterback who has played under intense pressure, dealt with the demands of high expectations, and excelled in big games could offer mentorship to a player like Herbert, who is still working toward finding that consistent level of success at the NFL level. This experience is crucial when working with young quarterbacks, especially in the NFL, where the demands and scrutiny are magnified.

2. A Familiarity with Kellen Moore’s Style of Play

Former Tennessee quarterbacks often played in a system that required adaptability and the ability to read defenses quickly—skills that align well with Moore’s offensive philosophy. Tennessee’s offensive schemes, historically, have emphasized passing the ball with precision, much like Moore’s system. Having someone who understands both the quarterback position and Moore’s offensive philosophies would provide a seamless fit for the Chargers’ coaching staff.

Additionally, the familiarity with fast-paced, aggressive offensive play would benefit both the quarterback coach and Moore in crafting a cohesive game plan. A former Tennessee quarterback could act as the perfect bridge between Moore’s vision and Herbert’s development, understanding how to teach the principles of the offense from a quarterback’s perspective while also implementing Moore’s innovative approach.

3. A Proven Leader and Communicator

Coaching in the NFL isn’t just about knowing football; it’s about being able to communicate effectively with players, develop relationships, and foster an atmosphere that promotes growth. Quarterbacks, in particular, often serve as the on-field leaders of the offense, and as such, they must possess a strong sense of leadership. A former Tennessee quarterback—especially one who has played at a high level of competition—would understand the nuances of leadership, mental toughness, and preparation that it takes to succeed in such a high-pressure role.

Their ability to guide and mentor the young quarterbacks on the roster could prove vital in the overall success of the offense. As a potential assistant to Moore, this former Vols quarterback could bring not only a wealth of technical knowledge but also a unique perspective on how to build the confidence of a player like Herbert and other young signal-callers. Leadership from a respected former player adds a crucial intangible to the coaching staff that can’t be underestimated.

Who Could the Former Tennessee Quarterback Be?

There are several former Tennessee Volunteers quarterbacks who might be in the mix to join Kellen Moore’s staff. While the exact identity of the candidate is speculative, a few names stand out as possible fits for this assistant role.

1. Erik Ainge

One of the most successful Tennessee quarterbacks in recent memory, Erik Ainge was a standout player for the Volunteers during the mid-2000s. Ainge played for Tennessee from 2004 to 2007, setting numerous records for the program during his time there. Though his NFL career didn’t quite take off in the same way his college career did, Ainge has remained involved in football through media work and as a radio personality.

Ainge’s familiarity with the SEC, combined with his experience in leading the Vols’ offense, could make him a great fit as an assistant under Moore. His understanding of the quarterback position and experience with high-stakes football would be an asset in coaching Herbert and any other quarterbacks the Chargers bring in. Additionally, Ainge’s leadership qualities on the field make him a strong candidate to help instill a winning mentality in the Chargers’ quarterbacks room.

2. Peyton Manning (Long Shot)

While it may be a stretch to suggest that the legendary Peyton Manning would leave his business ventures and media career to become an assistant coach for the Chargers, there is always speculation around Manning’s involvement in football coaching. His relationship with Kellen Moore, along with his deep understanding of the quarterback position, could make him an ideal mentor for Herbert, whose potential mirrors some of Manning’s early years in the NFL.

Though this remains a long shot, the thought of Manning joining a coaching staff is an intriguing one. His experience as a player, his keen eye for offensive strategy, and his leadership would provide an invaluable asset to Moore’s staff.

3. Casey Clausen

Another former Tennessee quarterback who could fit the bill is Casey Clausen, who played for the Volunteers from 2000 to 2004. Clausen was known for his poise in the pocket and his ability to lead the offense under pressure. He has since been involved in coaching at various levels and could bring a wealth of knowledge to the Chargers. His understanding of high-pressure situations, his strong technical fundamentals, and his work ethic make him a viable candidate to help mentor quarterbacks in the NFL.

 The Potential Impact of This Hire

A former Tennessee Volunteers quarterback joining Kellen Moore’s coaching staff could be a game-changer for the Los Angeles Chargers as they look to maximize the potential of Justin Herbert and solidify their offensive unit. This hire would add both expertise and credibility to the coaching staff, creating a dynamic partnership between Moore and his new assistant.

The synergy between Moore’s offensive creativity and the quarterback development skills of a Tennessee alum would be the perfect blend for Herbert’s growth as a player. As the Chargers continue to build for a Super Bowl run, this potential hire could be a crucial step in solidifying their offensive future. Whether it’s Erik Ainge, Peyton Manning, or Casey Clausen, the presence of a former quarterback with strong ties to both Tennessee and the world of coaching would be an invaluable asset for Kellen Moore and the Chargers as they seek to become an elite offensive force in the NFL.