Tennessee hires John Bonamego for Special Teams

Bonamego is an NFL special teams legend and former HC at Central Michigan.
Evan Crabtree will be elevated to special teams coordinator.
Levorn Harbin will become outside LB coach.

The Tennessee Volunteers have bolstered their coaching staff by hiring veteran special teams coach John Bonamego as Assistant Special Teams Coordinator. This strategic move aims to enhance the team’s special teams performance for the upcoming 2025 season.

Background and Experience

John Bonamego brings over three decades of coaching experience at both the collegiate and professional levels. His coaching journey began in 1987 as an assistant coach at Mount Pleasant High School in Michigan. He then transitioned to the collegiate ranks, serving as an assistant coach at the University of Maine (1988–1991), Lehigh University (1992), and the United States Military Academy at West Point (1993–1998).

In 1999, Bonamego entered the NFL as an assistant special teams coach with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He later served as special teams coordinator for the Green Bay Packers (2003–2005), New Orleans Saints (2006–2007), Miami Dolphins (2008–2010), and again with the Jaguars (2012). His tenure with the Detroit Lions (2013–2014) was particularly notable, as he returned to the team to serve as their special teams coordinator. After a successful stint, he transitioned to the collegiate level, becoming the head coach at Central Michigan University from 2015 to 2018. Most recently, Bonamego served as a senior special teams assistant at Iowa State University during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. citeturn0search13

Coaching Philosophy and Impact

Throughout his career, Bonamego has been recognized for his emphasis on discipline, attention to detail, and adaptability. His ability to develop players and implement effective special teams strategies has earned him respect across the football community. His diverse coaching background, spanning both the NFL and college football, equips him with a comprehensive understanding of the game, which he brings to his coaching approach.

Role with the Tennessee Volunteers

As Assistant Special Teams Coordinator, Bonamego will work closely with newly appointed Special Teams Coordinator Evan Crabtree. Head coach Josh Heupel expressed confidence in the staff changes, stating, “We are excited about the cohesiveness of our coaching staff. Chop and Evan understand the culture and standard of excellence that we have built here over the past four years. Both have strong relationships with our players, and it will make for a seamless transition as we get ready for spring practice.” citeturn0search2

Bonamego’s extensive experience is expected to provide valuable mentorship to the special teams unit, contributing to the team’s overall success in the upcoming season..