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.