Story by
Tennessee defensive coordinator Tim Banks signs contract extension with big raise
- Story by
- Tennessee defensive coordinator Tim Banks signs contract extension with big raise
Tennessee defensive coordinator Tim Banks got a contract extension and raise after guiding the stingiest Vols defense since the 1998 national title team, according to documents obtained by Knox News via an open records request.
Banks will earn $2.15 million annually on a deal that runs through the 2027 season, plus bonuses if UT plays in a bowl game or the College Football Playoff. His previous contract paid him $1.5 million annually, and it was set to expire on Jan. 31.
Advertisement
Defensive secondary coach Willie Martinez and special teams coordinator/outside linebackers coach Mike Ekeler also have contracts that expire on Jan. 31. There are no updates on their contract situations, but that's not unusual. In the past, UT has sometimes announced contract extensions after the previous contract expired.
Banks, Martinez and Ekeler were on Josh Heupel's original UT staff in 2021. Heupel's remaining coaches already had contracts through the 2025 season.
Tim Banks' defense had historic season in 2024
Banks was the most critical extension for UT after he surfaced as a potential candidate for the defensive coordinator jobs at Miami, Clemson and Penn State.
Advertisement
Banks was a finalist for the Broyles Award, given to the top assistant in college football.
His defense allowed only 16.1 points per game in 2024, the lowest mark for UT since the 1998 team allowed 14.5 points per game en route to a national championship.
Banks' 2024 unit allowed 293.2 yards per game, ranking No. 7 in total defense. It also ranked in the top 10 in rushing defense, third-down defense, fourth-down defense and tackles-for-loss.
The Vols held opponents under 20 points in 10 games, including nine wins, en route to a College Football Playoff berth.
Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Email adam.sparks@knoxnews.com . X, formerly known as Twitter @AdamSparks . Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe .
Advertisement
Get the latest news and insight on SEC football by subscribing to the SEC Unfiltered newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Tim Banks: Tennessee defensive coordinator signs contract extension
