Tennessee Football Adds Veteran Presence With Derek Jones Hire

Knoxville, TN~ The Tennessee Volunteers football program has made a significant addition to its defensive coaching staff, hiring Derek Jones as its new cornerbacks coach. The move comes after former assistant Michael Hunter departed for the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams, creating a sudden vacancy just weeks before spring practice. 

Jones joins Tennessee under head coach Josh Heupel and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, bringing decades of experience and a proven track record of developing defensive backs at the collegiate level. Jones brings more than two decades of collegiate coaching experience and a reputation for developing defensive backs.

Coach Heupel on the hiring :

"Derek understands what it takes to play cornerback at this level. He's coached and played SEC football and has a track record of developing cornerbacks for the NFL. He's also shown great ability as a recruiter in over two decades of coaching. He has familiarity with Coach Knowles and will make a seamless transition to our staff. We are excited to welcome Derek to Rocky Top!"

Veteran Coach with Extensive Experience

Jones arrives in Knoxville following a four-year stint at Virginia Tech, where he served as cornerbacks coach and defensive recruiting coordinator. During his tenure, he helped develop multiple standout defensive backs, including players who earned All-ACC honors and national recognition. 

A coaching veteran with more than 25 years of experience, Jones has previously held key roles at programs including Duke, Texas Tech, Memphis, Tulsa, and Middle Tennessee State. His resume includes experience as an associate head coach, co-defensive coordinator, and recruiting coordinator, demonstrating both leadership and defensive expertise. 

Jones also brings familiarity with Tennessee’s defensive system, having previously worked alongside Knowles at Duke. That established relationship is expected to provide continuity and stability as Tennessee prepares for the upcoming season. 

Playing Career and Coaching Background

Before entering coaching, Jones was a defensive back himself. He played college football at Ole Miss and later professionally in the Canadian Football League and Arena Football League. His experience as a former player has shaped his coaching approach and ability to mentor athletes at the collegiate level. 

Jones is vocal about the role of one former coach had on him as a player. Coach Joe Lee Dunn is widely credited as one of the creators and pioneers of the 3-3-5 defense, an aggressive scheme designed to confuse offenses with blitzes and flexibility. 

Joe Lee Dunn is considered one of the most influential defensive minds in college football history, especially for popularizing aggressive defensive schemes still used today. Dunn coached college football for more than 40 years and was recognized for demanding mental and physical readiness from this players. Derek Jones was one of those players at Ole Miss from 1992-1994.   

Impact on Tennessee’s Secondary

Jones’ hiring comes at a critical time for Tennessee’s defense. With spring practice approaching, his leadership will be essential in developing Tennessee’s cornerbacks and strengthening the team’s secondary. His reputation as a teacher and recruiter is expected to play a key role in maintaining Tennessee’s competitiveness in the SEC.

The addition of Jones signals Tennessee’s commitment to defensive improvement and continuity. His experience, familiarity with the defensive staff, and success developing defensive backs position him to make an immediate impact on the Volunteers’ defense.

Derek Jones on arriving to Rocky Top:

"I want to thank Coach Heupel and Coach Knowles for this opportunity. Being back in the SEC and having opportunity to coach at a place like Tennessee is special. I am fired up to be a Vol and begin preparations for spring practice. I look forward to building bonds with our players and future Vols."