The coaching carousel is in full swing, and Tennessee defensive coordinator Tim Banks is at the heart of a high-stakes situation that could reshape the landscape for several major programs. Banks, who’s been pivotal in Tennessee’s defensive success over the past four seasons, is reportedly sitting on a contract extension, but hasn’t made a move to sign it yet. His hesitation is drawing attention from high-profile schools, including Clemson and Miami.
While Miami seems unlikely to land Banks, according to VolQuest’s Brent Hubbs, Clemson’s interest is much more real and could lead to a dramatic shift. The Tigers are currently in a delicate position with their defensive coordinator, Wes Goodwin, who is being eyed by Oklahoma for the same role. Goodwin, a former assistant to Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables, has faced scrutiny after Clemson’s defensive struggles, particularly their issues against the run this season.
If Goodwin makes the move to Oklahoma, it would likely allow Clemson to avoid the financial burden of firing him outright, setting the stage for potential changes in their defensive staff. Hubbs describes this situation as a “financial waiting game,” with Clemson likely to act quickly once the pieces start falling into place.
Meanwhile, for Tennessee, the possibility of losing Banks looms large. His contributions to the Vols’ defense have been invaluable, and his departure could create a chain reaction, especially with the looming transfer portal in the spring. With Banks possibly heading elsewhere, head coach Josh Heupel would face the daunting task of finding a worthy successor, a process that is rarely smooth or predictable.
In addition to Banks, Clemson is reportedly considering other candidates, including Denver Broncos’ defensive backs coach Jim Leonhard and Georgia Tech’s defensive coordinator Tyler Santucci.
As the waiting game continues, Tennessee, Clemson, and Oklahoma are in a high-stakes standoff, and the outcome could dramatically alter the future of their respective defenses. If Clemson makes a serious push, Tennessee may need to act swiftly to retain its key defensive mind.
