Tennessee has moved quickly to replace Michael Hunter, hiring Derek Jones as its new cornerbacks coach. The 27-year-veteran assistant coach was officially announced on Monday, completing Josh Heupel’s 2026 coaching staff. The Volunteers have remade the defensive staff, now lead by defensive coordinator Jim Knowles.
Jones worked with Knowles at Duke, coaching under David Cutcliffe at the time.
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“Derek understands what it takes to play cornerback at this level,” Josh Heupel said of the hire. “He’s coached and played SEC football and has a track record of developing cornerbacks for the NFL. He’s also shown great ability as a recruiter in over two decades of coaching. He has familiarity with Coach Knowles and will make a seamless transition to our staff. We are excited to welcome Derek to Rocky Top!”
Jones was most recently at Virginia Tech, following a stop at Texas Tech. He played in the mid-90s at Ole Miss and had a brief career in the CFL and the Arena Football League. He now takes over for Michael Hunter, who joined Tennessee last month but quickly departed for an opportunity with the Los Angeles Rams.
“I want to thank Coach Heupel and Coach Knowles for this opportunity,” Jones said. “Being back in the SEC and having the opportunity to coach at a place like Tennessee is special. I am fired up to be a Vol and begin preparations for spring practice. I look forward to building bonds with our players and future Vols.”
Tennessee’s cornerback room has been nearly completely rebuilt this offseason. Jermod McCoy and Colton Hood are likely first round picks in the NFL Draft, while Boo Carter and Rickey Gibson hit the transfer portal. Jalen McMurray saw his eligibility expire.
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The Volunteers worked the transfer portal to bring in former Auburn starter Kayin Lee, Miami corner Jadais Richard, Michigan corner Tevis Metcalf and Colorado transfer Isaiah Hardge. Four additions at safety complete the secondary, giving Tennessee a chance to be very versatile this fall.
Jones enters the equation just weeks before spring practice begins. The annual orange and white game has been set for April 11th.
