Tennessee football hires new assistant coaches ahead of spring practice

As the 2025 football season draws closer, the Tennessee Volunteers are making significant moves to ensure they are well-prepared to compete at the highest level. One of the most notable developments for the Vols in recent weeks is the hiring of several new assistant coaches ahead of spring practice. These new additions come at a critical time as Head Coach Josh Heupel looks to continue the program’s upward trajectory and strengthen key areas of the team.

The addition of new coaching staff, especially at the assistant level, can have a profound impact on a program’s success. Coaches are integral in developing players, installing systems, and making in-game decisions. For Tennessee, these hires signal a new chapter in the program’s growth, one that aims to build on the success of previous years and push the team to even greater heights. Whether these new coaches will help Tennessee overcome its challenges and reach its potential will be one of the key storylines in the 2025 season.

The Need for Change: Why Tennessee Hired New Assistant Coaches

The Tennessee Volunteers football team has experienced a series of ups and downs in recent seasons, with flashes of brilliance often tempered by periods of inconsistency. In an effort to make the next step toward championship contention, Head Coach Josh Heupel identified areas of the program that needed improvement and addressed them through coaching hires. The hiring of new assistant coaches is part of a larger strategy to build a more balanced, competitive, and sustainable football program.

There are several factors behind these coaching changes, including:

1. Developing Depth and Talent: Despite Tennessee’s rising success, the Volunteers still face challenges in terms of depth, especially at certain positions. With the highly competitive nature of the SEC, it is essential for every player to be developed to their fullest potential, and a well-rounded coaching staff is critical in this regard. The new hires were chosen to strengthen position groups and enhance player development across the board.
2. Addressing Specific Weaknesses: While Tennessee’s offense under Josh Heupel has been a hallmark of success, there have been concerns with the defense, particularly in the secondary and along the defensive line. Hiring coaches with expertise in those areas will be crucial for Tennessee to take the next step and compete with the elite programs in the SEC. The Vols will need a defense that can complement their high-powered offense, and the new assistant coaches are expected to make a significant impact in this regard.
3. Reinforcing Special Teams: Special teams often go unnoticed in college football but can play a critical role in determining the outcome of tight games. In an effort to shore up this often-overlooked phase of the game, Tennessee hired coaches who specialize in special teams. These moves are designed to improve Tennessee’s field position, increase its efficiency in coverage and return units, and reduce costly mistakes.
4. Recruiting and Development: Recruiting remains one of the most important aspects of any successful college football program. With Tennessee now in a competitive position to land top recruits, having assistant coaches who can build strong relationships with high school prospects and develop them into future stars is essential. The new staff members will play a major role in the Volunteers’ recruiting efforts, helping to bring in top-tier talent to further elevate the program.

The New Coaching Hires: Key Additions to Tennessee’s Staff

Josh Heupel’s decisions regarding his new assistant coaches were guided by the specific needs of the program. With that in mind, Heupel and the athletic department brought in several highly regarded coaches who bring a wealth of experience and expertise to their respective positions.

1. Defensive Coordinator: A Big Hire for the Vols

One of the most significant changes for Tennessee was the hiring of a new defensive coordinator. Despite improvements on that side of the ball in recent seasons, the Vols have yet to field a defense that consistently performs at the elite level required to contend for championships. In response to this, Tennessee hired Brian Jean-Mary from the University of Houston, a coach known for his ability to build aggressive, physical defenses.

Jean-Mary has a reputation for being a dynamic coach with a proven track record of developing NFL-caliber players. His hiring is expected to bring stability and discipline to Tennessee’s defense, especially in the trenches. His experience with defensive linemen and linebackers should help develop a stronger pass rush, a key area of weakness for Tennessee in recent seasons. In addition to his work with the defense, Jean-Mary will be tasked with improving the Volunteers’ secondary, which has struggled at times in pass coverage.

The hiring of Jean-Mary sends a clear message that Tennessee is committed to building a defense capable of competing with the likes of Alabama, Georgia, and LSU in the SEC.

2. Wide Receivers Coach: A Familiar Face with New Responsibilities

On the offensive side of the ball, Tennessee hired Tee Martin as its new wide receivers coach. Martin, a former quarterback for the Volunteers, is returning to Knoxville after a successful coaching stint at various programs. His experience playing and coaching in the SEC will be an asset to Tennessee as it continues to refine its passing game.

In addition to his familiarity with the program, Martin’s coaching acumen and ability to develop top-tier wide receivers will help Tennessee’s offense continue to excel. The wide receiver position is one of Tennessee’s strengths, and Martin will be tasked with maintaining that level of excellence. He will also work closely with quarterback Joe Milton III, helping him develop chemistry with his receiving corps and ensuring the Vols’ passing attack remains one of the most potent in the country.

3. Offensive Line Coach: Strengthening the Trenches

Another key hire for Tennessee was the addition of Chris Kapilovic as the new offensive line coach. While Tennessee’s offensive line has been solid under Heupel, there were times in 2024 when the unit was inconsistent. Kapilovic, who previously coached at Michigan State, brings extensive experience in developing physical and fundamentally sound offensive lines.

Kapilovic will focus on improving Tennessee’s ability to control the line of scrimmage, both in the run game and in pass protection. With Joe Milton III behind center and Tennessee’s up-tempo offense reliant on quick decisions and execution, it will be crucial for the offensive line to provide consistent protection and create running lanes for Tennessee’s ball carriers. Kapilovic’s expertise will be critical in ensuring the offensive line is one of the top units in the SEC.

4. Special Teams Coordinator: Adding Depth to a Key Phase

While special teams often take a backseat to offensive and defensive discussions, they can be the difference-maker in close games. Tennessee has struggled with special teams consistency in recent years, particularly in terms of punt and kick coverage. To address this, Josh Heupel brought in Larry Porter as the special teams coordinator.

Porter has extensive experience in all phases of special teams and will work to improve Tennessee’s overall performance in this area. From field goal accuracy to punt returns, Porter will be tasked with ensuring that the Volunteers are a reliable and efficient special teams unit. His addition is a clear sign that Tennessee is committed to excelling in all facets of the game.

The Impact of New Coaching Hires on Tennessee’s 2025 Season

The arrival of these new assistant coaches brings an infusion of talent, experience, and fresh ideas to the Tennessee Volunteers football program. The hires are expected to enhance the team’s performance across multiple areas, from offensive production to defensive toughness and special teams efficiency. The most immediate impact will be seen in spring practice, where these coaches will work with the players to instill new systems and techniques.

The key areas to watch for in the 2025 season include:

1. Improvement on Defense: Under Brian Jean-Mary, the Volunteers’ defense should become more aggressive, disciplined, and capable of shutting down high-powered offenses. Expect improvements in pass rush and coverage as Tennessee looks to elevate its defensive play.
2. Offensive Development: With Tee Martin coaching the wide receivers, the Volunteers’ passing attack should become more dynamic. Look for an improved connection between Joe Milton III and his receivers, as well as more big-play potential in the passing game.
3. Enhanced Special Teams: With Larry Porter taking over as special teams coordinator, Tennessee’s special teams units should be more consistent and effective, helping the team gain valuable field position and capitalize on scoring opportunities.
4. Depth and Player Development: All of the new coaches will play a role in developing Tennessee’s talent and ensuring that players are ready to contribute at a high level. As the team builds depth at various positions, the coaching staff will ensure that the Volunteers are prepared to compete against the best teams in the SEC.