The Tennessee Vols wrapped up their 2025 season with a less-than-impressive 8-5 record, and something had to give. Since head coach Josh Heupel could not ignore the defensive issues plaguing the roster, defensive coordinator Tim Banks was let go. Just a year ago, he engineered a unit that ranked seventh nationally. But he couldn’t sustain that momentum this season, and it will cost the program dearly.

Banks joined Tennessee in 2021. After serving the Vols in the capacity of a defensive coordinator and special teams, he leaves the program with a reported $4.3 million buyout range. However, according to similar programs, his buyout has a wide margin compared to others. Recently, Nebraska fired DC John Butler and owes him $1.1 million.

However, Banks’ contract includes a standard mitigation clause. It requires him to diligently make efforts to obtain another comparable employment after his firing, saying, “reasonable and diligent efforts as soon as practicable following termination to obtain another comparable employment or paid services position that coach is able to obtain based on his skill and experience.”

So far, his name has surfaced as a potential candidate for the Virginia Tech DC vacancy. If Banks is able to find a job within the time period specified in his contract, it will result in a significantly lower buyout.

Just last year, Banks was a finalist for the 2024 Broyles Award. Owing to a robust defensive unit that allowed less than 20 points per game, he made his mark at Knoxville. His defense limited the opponents to a mere 30% conversion on third-downs, and red-zone conversions saw similar figures. The opponents barely scored 17 touchdowns in 37 red zone attempts.

Banks’ defenses earned national praise. To celebrate his efforts, Tennessee extended his contract for three more years, paying him $2.15 million annually. Hoping for a similar and improved defense, Josh Heupel’s program entered the 2025 season. However, QB Nico Iamaleava’s departure left the offense with more than a few concerns. But no one expected the defense to fall apart.

In comparison, the 2025 season saw a notable decline from the previous year. Banks’ unit was ranked 88th in yards allowed, 395.5 yards per game, and ranked 92nd in scoring defense. They allowed 28.8 points per game, failing to limit the rivals. However, Tennessee’s four losses all came against elite SEC offenses in Georgia, Alabama, Oklahoma, and Vanderbilt.

In 2025, replacing six defensive starters and several other key contributors from a year ago, the Vols’ defense dipped tremendously. The roster had faced injuries in key defensive positions throughout the season. Key cornerbacks Jermond McCoy sustained a torn ACL during the offseason and had to sit out throughout the regular season. On the other hand, Rickey Gibson suffered an upper-body injury against Syracuse and did not make another appearance for the whole season.

Josh Heupel gets candid about Tim Banks

While the roster trudged through the injuries, it does not paint a complete argument regarding the Vols’ faltering defense. During his tenure as Vols head coach, Josh Heupel never fired any of his assistant coaches. But after watching a defense that had lost its edge, Heupel had to take some action. Analysts and pundits had already been mulling over that possibility. On Dec. 5, Chris Low shared that Josh Heupel might take action soon. On Dec. 7, Vols fired Tim Banks.

“I want to thank Tim for everything he has done for Tennessee the last five seasons,” Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel said in a statement on Monday. “He helped restore our program to national prominence; These are tough decisions, but one I ultimately felt was necessary for the future of our program.

These are tough decisions but one I ultimately felt was necessary for the future of our program. We are fully committed to identifying our next defensive coordinator who will uphold the standard that Tennessee has historically been known for.”

The Vols could not make it to the playoffs. But with an eight-win season, they are headed to the Music City Bowl against Illinois. While Heupel looks for Banks’ replacement, linebacker coach William Inge has been named the interim defensive coordinator.