Tennessee Football Extends Multiple Assistants Amid Offseason Overhaul

In a clear signal of commitment to continuity on the offensive side of the ball, the University of Tennessee announced contract extensions for several key assistant coaches in mid-December 2025. The moves, coming just days after hiring new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and parting ways with longtime DC Tim Banks, focus heavily on retaining the architects of one of the SEC’s most explosive offenses. Offensive coordinator Joey Halzle and wide receivers coach Kelsey Pope headlined the extensions, each signing two-year deals with significant raises and, in Pope’s case, a new title as passing game coordinator.

These extensions arrive at a critical juncture for head coach Josh Heupel, whose program finished 8-4 in 2025, capped by a Music City Bowl appearance against Illinois on December 30. Despite offensive success—ranking tops in the SEC in scoring (40.8 ppg) and total yards—the Vols’ defense regressed sharply, prompting the coordinator change. Retaining Halzle and Pope ensures schematic stability as Tennessee navigates the transfer portal, NFL departures, and recruiting for 2026.

The Key Extensions: Halzle and Pope Locked In

Joey Halzle, Heupel’s longtime protégé and offensive play-caller, signed a two-year extension through the 2027 season. The deal includes a massive $600,000 raise, bumping his annual salary to $1.45 million starting in 2026—one of the highest for offensive coordinators nationally. Halzle, who has been with Heupel since their Oklahoma days, navigated a quarterback transition in 2025 after Nico Iamaleava’s spring departure. He molded transfer Joey Aguilar into the SEC’s leading passer, guiding an offense that ranked fifth nationally in passing yards (307.2 ypg) and fourth in total offense (482 ypg).

Halzle’s track record speaks volumes: From developing Hendon Hooker into a Heisman contender to rebooting the unit post-Iamaleava, his up-tempo scheme consistently produces elite numbers. Sources indicate interest from other programs, including Florida’s new staff, but Tennessee acted swiftly to retain him.

Kelsey Pope, widely regarded as one of college football’s top position coaches, also inked a two-year extension through 2027. Promoted to passing game coordinator, Pope receives a raise from $550,000 to $800,000 in 2026 and $850,000 in 2027. Multiple SEC programs pursued Pope this cycle, drawn to his recruiting prowess and player development.

In 2025, Pope’s room shone brightly despite turnover. Chris Brazzell II led the SEC in receiving yards (1,017) en route to NFL declaration, while young talents like Braylon Staley (SEC Freshman of the Year) and five-star recruits Mike Matthews and Tristen Keys emerged. Tennessee boasted three receivers over 750 yards— a national rarity—validating Pope’s contested-catch emphasis and route tree sophistication.

Earlier Extensions Provide Depth

While December’s announcements grabbed headlines, Tennessee proactively extended several assistants earlier in 2025:

• Tight ends coach Alec Abeln: Two-year deal through January 2027, with salary rising from $275,000 (2025) to $375,000 (2026).
• Running backs coach De’Rail Sims: Two-year extension through 2027, increasing from $400,000 to $425,000 in 2026.
• Linebackers coach William Inge: One-year extension through 2026 (signed February), with prior raise to $795,000.
• Secondary coach Willie Martinez: Two-year extension through 2026 (February).
• Outside linebackers coach Levorn Harbin: Two-year deal through 2026 post-promotion.

These moves reflect athletic director Danny White’s strategy: Reward performance while warding off poachers in a volatile market.

Context: Defensive Shakeup and Offensive Stability

The extensions contrast sharply with defensive changes. After a 2025 season where Tennessee ranked near the bottom in pass defense, Heupel parted with Tim Banks and hired Jim Knowles on a three-year, $6.6 million deal ($2.0 million annually through 2028). Knowles, fresh off a national title at Ohio State, brings aggressive, multiple fronts expected to revitalize the unit.

Offensively, stability reigns. Heupel’s scheme—rooted in tempo, RPOs, and vertical passing—thrives on continuity. Halzle and Pope’s retentions ensure seamless transition for incoming quarterback talent, whether via portal or recruits like five-star Faizon Brandon (2026 class).

Why These Moves Matter for 2026 Outlook

Tennessee faces roster flux: Aguilar’s eligibility expires, Brazzell and others declare for the draft, and portal losses loom. Yet offensive infrastructure remains intact. Halzle’s play-calling and Pope’s receiver factory position the Vols for another high-scoring attack, potentially offsetting defensive growing pains under Knowles.

Recruiting benefits immensely. Pope’s extensions quash rumors, aiding closes with elite receivers. Halzle’s raise signals investment in offense, appealing to QB prospects.

Financially, Tennessee’s NIL collective and revenue-sharing (post-House settlement) enable competitive salaries. Assistant pool investments rank among SEC leaders.

Reactions from Players, Fans, and Analysts

Vol Nation celebrated the news amid bowl preparations. Fans on forums praised retaining “offensive geniuses” while embracing Knowles’ hire. Former players like Hooker endorsed Halzle publicly.

Analysts view it positively: ESPN’s Chris Low called it “locking down the engine,” while 247Sports noted it stabilizes a program eyeing playoff contention.

Heupel commented indirectly: “Proud of our staff’s commitment… Excited for what’s ahead.”

Broader Coaching Carousel Implications

In a cycle seeing coordinators poached left and right, Tennessee’s proactive extensions stand out. It deters raids while allowing Knowles focus on defensive staff tweaks—rumors swirl of additions leveraging his Ohio State/Penn State ties.

Historical Perspective: Heupel’s Staff Loyalty

Heupel boasts remarkable retention: Few departures beyond promotions (e.g., Alex Golesh to USF head coach). This cycle’s moves continue that trend, blending loyalty with market adjustments.

Looking Ahead: Bowl and Beyond

As Tennessee prepares for Illinois, extensions provide momentum. A bowl win caps 2025 positively, setting stage for 2026 reload.

With offensive core secured and defensive refresh underway, Heupel’s program signals readiness for sustained contention. In volatile college football, continuity proves priceless—these extensions embody that philosophy.