I have to say, it may fall apart, but I can't blame Heupel at this point. My criticism was he doesn't take defense seriously enough to get to the next level. This is a hire which takes defense seriously. I don't know if Knowles is the guy, but it is a smart hire and Heupel earned credit today. This is the type of move which creates success.
I hope he gets here tomorrow and starts installing. Who cares if we stink up the bowl game. Let’s get rid of the Banks book and calls as of yesterday and start from scratch today installing a few key defenses for the bowl.
The hire process appeared to be fast, smooth and professionally executed. I think he brings needed toughness which was a key thing for me. Bravo Heupel and admin!
The Vols have made it official on who they are now, making their next defensive coordinator, and many would refer to this hire as a "big splash". The guy the Vols are officially bringing in as their new defensive coordinator is Jim Knowles. Knowles is a guy whose resume runs deeper than almost anyone's, and is a guy that the Tennessee program could use to get better almost immediately. While the play-calling wasn't the only issue, having a guy like Knowles, who is a true pro, will only make this team better, it seems. https://www.si.com/college/tennesse...e-football-defensive-coordinator-01kc4z6waspt
That’s not what it’s about. I’m just saying if you think we just plug in Knowles and get a top 50 defense, or significant improvement, you’re gonna be disappointed. Yeah Tim Banks’ D was brain dead at times but there were also plenty of times where we got critical turnovers that went back for 6. Im afraid that given the personnel we’ll have next year, coupled with the schedule we have and and the lack of offense I expect, that this isn’t the right hire unless you’re treating next year as a throwaway. And if you’re not, you need to relax your expectations. If the key elements of the team are still there in 2027 then we can be excited about the next few years. Not arguing that their offense was putrid, but outside of three games their schedule was too. Allowing 42 to a winless UCLA, and 36 to Rutgers shows that there will likely be stinkers next year.
Tennessee will play like a top 50 defense but won't be there statistically because of the schedule. Everyone pissing on this is a gigantic [ussy pay].
Some slobberknocking and consistent tackling will be nice. I will be watching to see how many times our DE/DT drop into pass coverage.
Think I would rather have Walters but still an upgrade regardless. Odd that Day and Campbell let him walk and Franklin didn’t try to bring him to VT. I think they wanted Walters but the on3 leak [uck fay]ed that up since it came out almost immediately and their game being this weekend. Heupel has 2 years minimum, barring a 3 or 4 win season, so hopefully the complexity to install is overblown. Bad time to hire a Dave Clawson.
I like most of your post, but I can't believe that people are making major life decisions over media leaks.
Took the words right out of my mouth. Leave a place where you’ve got your super complicated defense established and just won a natty to go coach with Rape Franklin at a place where the fans are ready to run him out of town.
