Coaching changes are almost universally looked at as a challenge. However, Tennessee shouldn’t look at its recent coaching readjustment as a hurdle just to be cleared. In fact, the Vols’ recent departure of a pair of assistant coaches should be looked at as an opportunity to be better soon.
Former Tennessee running back coach Jerry Mack undoubtedly coaches the easiest position to take over. Other than teaching some pass protection responsibilities, coaching running backs is about letting players display their natural ability. That’s not coaching rocket science. Mack’s replacement also has running back Dylan Sampson to rely on. He will certainly affect the flow of several games this season and be a benefit to whoever coaches him.
Mack’s departure won’t be the last coach that Tennessee loses to the NFL, which is just an easier place to coach right now after NIL and transfer portal rules have gone wild to dysfunctional in just a couple of years. The Vols will have to continually battle off NFL hirers until something changes drastically in college football.
The departure of Brian Jean-Mary to Michigan, where he has coaching ties, is a bit more of a blow for the Vols. Tennessee’s defense and, particularly its linebackers were not great under Jean-Mary, especially in pass coverage. However, Jean-Mary had a good working relationship with defensive coordinator Tim Banks. Building that chemistry again won’t be easy.
As for recruiting, the Vols are recruiting on two main facets: team culture and NIL. Mack and Jean-Mary shouldn’t have a huge impact on the “feel good” vibes going on in Knoxville. Also, neither would be considered elite recruiters. Mack brought in running back Dylan Sampson in recruiting. Jean-Mary has recruited EDGE rusher Joshua Josephs, linebacker Arion Carter and tight end Ethan Davis. Clearly, Jean-Mary is the better of the two recruiters. Still, if the Vols can stick to what they’ve been pitching successfully, recruiting shouldn’t take a big blow the latest coaching turnover.
There are a trio of coaches that Tennessee doesn’t want to lose: head coach Josh Heupel, defensive coordinator Tim Banks and defensive line coach Rodney Garner. That’s the coveted three. Others will come and go, but there’s no need to think an upgrade isn’t in the works.
