Tennessee Hires Derek Jones as Cornerbacks Coach After Recent NFL Departure on Staff
The 27-year veteran reunites with defensive coordinator Jim Knowles to stabilize a rebuilt secondary before spring practice.
Overview
- Head coach Josh Heupel announced Jones on Monday, finalizing Tennessee’s 2026 coaching staff.
- Jones replaces Michael Hunter, who left roughly a month after being hired to join the Los Angeles Rams.
- Most recently at Virginia Tech, Jones coached cornerbacks from 2022–25 and led defensive recruiting while developing All-ACC defender Dorian Strong and coaching Mansoor Delane.
- He previously worked with Knowles at Duke from 2010–17, producing multiple NFL defensive backs and contributing on special teams.
- Tennessee’s secondary has been overhauled through departures and portal additions, with newcomers Kayin Lee, Jadais Richard, Tevis Metcalf and Isaiah Hardge in place ahead of the April 11 spring game.