How Jim Knowles made Tennessee Volunteers a national title contender

The Tennessee Volunteers made a splashy hire of Jim Knowles as defensive coordinator, and it’s paid off.

Knowles was the former Ohio State Buckeyes defensive coordinator, and he helped them win a national title, and then cashed in to be the Penn State Nittany Lions’ defensive coordinator. However, after James Franklin was fired, he and Penn State agreed to part ways, and Tennessee moved quickly to hire him.

Knowles was the highest-paid coordinator in college football with Penn State and agreed to a lucrative three-year deal with Tennessee.

In his first year, Knowles has made the Volunteers a legit title contender because of their defense. Tennessee’s pass rush is one of, if not the best in the country, while the secondary is also dominant.

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The defense was on full display against the Alabama Crimson Tide on Saturday. Knowles’ defense has Kalen DeBoer and Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell in hell.

Knowles disguised the defense and made life difficult for Russell, as he blitzed when he needed to and dropped extra players in coverage at certain points. The Volunteers’ defense limited Alabama to just 10 points and was shut out in the second half.

Russell finished the game throwing for just 147 yards and 2 interceptions, as it was the worst game of his college career. Alabama’s leading rusher was Daniel Hill, who rushed for 34 yards, while the defense recorded five sacks and recovered two fumbles against the Crimson Tide.

It was a statement win for Tennessee, and their defense could very well carry them to a national title. George MacIntyre was good enough at quarterback, but the offense is led by star running back DeSean Bishop, who rushed for 159 yards and 2 touchdowns.

The Vols’ offense doesn’t need to be dominant to win games due to their defense. With the win over Alabama, Tennessee is firmly in playoff contention, and they could be a team no one wants to play in the playoffs due to their defense.

Josh Heupel praises Jim Knowles after Alabama win

After Tennessee’s dominating win over Alabama, head coach Josh Heupel had nothing but praise for Knowles.

Knowles was seen dancing on the field with a cigar with fans after the game, and with his players postgame. Heupel believes that shows how much he and the players are bought into his system.

“They love him. He’s a Philly guy,” Heupel said postgame. “Tough, demanding, but they love him and they believe in him. He cuts up and has some fun with them, too. He’s got a great way of connecting with people. Have seen that really from the very beginning in his own way of doing it. Elite job by him tonight.”

The Volunteers’ defense is now being considered one of the best in the country and the hiring of Knowles is the reason why.

Although Tennessee beat Alabama, a spot in the playoff isn’t guaranteed. They still have to play Kentucky and LSU at home, while going on the road to play South Carolina and Texas A&M.

With one loss already, Tennessee likely can only afford one more, so they still have to go out and perform, but their defense should give them plenty of confidence.

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This story was originally published by Lindy's Sports on Oct 19, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Lindy's Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.