HEUPEL INTRODUCES EXPERIENCED DEFENSIVE STAFF

With two more weeks of strength and conditioning leading up to the start of spring practice, Tennessee head football coach Josh Heupel formally introduced his new defensive staff on Monday afternoon.

The staff includes defensive coordinator Tim Banks, outside linebackers coach and special teams coordinator Mike Ekeler, defensive line coach Rodney Garner, linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary and secondary coach Willie Martinez.

The defensive group owns a combined 127 years of collegiate coaching experience, 23 conference championships and multiple national titles. Four of the five have previous coordinator experience, and four own previous SEC coaching experience. Garner enters his 32nd year in the SEC, while the 2021 season will be Martinez’s 15th in the league. Both return to Tennessee after previous successful stints.

“They’ve hit the ground running here this past week and a half with our players and are already getting some things implemented in getting ourselves prepared for spring ball,” Heupel said. “I’m excited about this group of men and who they are, and how they’re going to impact our players in a positive way off the field. They are a group of high energy men that have a ton of experience.”

The Volunteers open a five-week stretch of spring practices on March 23. Heupel’s first spring culminates with the Chevrolet Orange & White Game on April 24.

Season tickets for the 100th year of Neyland Stadium and the start of the Heupel era are on sale now at AllVols.com.  Season tickets start as low as $300, with the Vol Pass and payment plan options offered. Fans can experience the Neyland Stadium 3D map to select tickets based on preference. Fans with questions related to seats, views and options can utilize the live “CHAT” feature on AllVols.com.

Source: University of Tennessee Athletics