Josh Heupel shook up his coaching staff on Monday, firing defensive coordinator Tim Banks after five seasons.
This is the first time in five years that Heupel has fired an assistant coach. Banks received a contract extension last offseason after the Vols made the College Football Playoff largely on the back of the defense. However, the unit took a massive step backward in 2025, and it was clear that a change needed to be made.
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With Banks gone, who will the Vols turn to at defensive coordinator? William Inge has already been named the interim DC for the bowl game, but the team is expected to conduct a thorough search for the full-time job.
Now, let’s identify five candidates who could be realistic candidates for the DC job on Rocky Top.
Will Muschamp
Muschamp is currently working for the Georgia Bulldogs as a defensive analyst. The veteran coach has twice been the head man at an SEC school- with Florida from 2011-14, and with South Carolina from 2016-20. Muschamp was also the DC at Auburn in 2015.
Muschamp never had much success as a head coach, but he’s a respected defensive mind who’s well-traveled in the SEC. The coach is a solid recruiter as well, and he knows what it takes to win in the SEC.
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William Inge
Inge has to be considered because he’s the interim. The veteran coach has an impressive pedigree and has been a DC or co-DC at multiple schools. Inge came to Tennessee ahead of the 2024 season and was the linebackers coach before his recent promotion.
Inge has experience as a defensive play-caller, which makes him a viable candidate. However, it seems unlikely Heupel would fire Banks just to promote someone already on staff.
Justin Wilcox
Justin Wilcox was most recently the head coach of the Cal Golden Bears. Wilcox served in that role from 2017-25 and made three bowl games.
Wilcox is interesting because he was already the DC at Tennessee once, from 2010-11. Wilcox would be an intriguing hire due to his head coaching experience and previous experience with the Vols. However, Wilcox is a West Coast guy, and he may not want to return to Tennessee for a coordinator role.
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Randy Shannon
Shannon was Heupel’s DC at UCF for three seasons. We know Heupel is extremely loyal, so you have to think Shannon will get a phone call.
After three seasons at UCF, Shannon spent four seasons with Florida State in various roles. The coach wouldn’t be the flashiest hire, but he’s another with head coaching experience and experience in the SEC.
Ryan Walters
Walters spent two seasons as the head coach for Purdue and did not have much success at all. However, Walters took the DC job at Washington ahead of the 2025 season and had much better results. The Huskies finished 20th in FBS in total defense under Walters.
Walters and Heupel worked together at Missouri, so there’s some familiarity there. Walters is also not even 40 yet, so he’s young and could grow into an elite assistant.
