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Tennessee Hires Derek Jones as Cornerbacks Coach

Tennessee has hired Derek Jones as its new cornerbacks coach, completing the defensive staff rebuild under coordinator Jim Knowles.

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.

Jones worked with defensive coordinator Jim Knowles at Duke and has extensive experience coaching SEC football and developing cornerbacks for the NFL. He replaces Hunter, who departed for the Los Angeles Rams shortly after joining Tennessee last month.