Tennessee Football Welcomes Derek Jones as New Cornerbacks Coach
Tennessee football has found its replacement for cornerbacks coach Michael Hunter Jr., who recently departed for a position with the Los Angeles Rams. The Vols are set to hire Derek Jones, bringing a wealth of experience and a pre-existing relationship with new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles to the program.
A Familiar Connection with Jim Knowles
The hiring of Jones is particularly noteworthy due to his history with Knowles. The two coaches previously worked together at Duke University, where Knowles served as defensive coordinator for several seasons. This established connection is expected to facilitate a smoother transition and quicker implementation of Knowles’ defensive scheme.
Jones’ Extensive Coaching Resume
Jones brings a diverse and impressive coaching background to Knoxville. Most recently, he spent four seasons as the cornerbacks coach and defensive recruiting coordinator at Virginia Tech. Prior to that, he held positions at Texas Tech (2020-21) as associate head coach, co-defensive coordinator, and secondary coach, and at Duke in various roles from 2008-2019.
Duke University: A Foundation of Success
Jones’ time at Duke was extensive, spanning over a decade. During his tenure, the Blue Devils achieved six bowl appearances and won the ACC Coastal Division in 2013. He served as the defensive backs coach and assistant special teams coordinator for a significant portion of his time there, contributing to a successful period for the program.
Recruiting Prowess and Player Development
Beyond coaching, Jones has demonstrated a strong ability to recruit and develop talent. At Virginia Tech, he was instrumental in recruiting players like Dorian Strong, a 2023 All-ACC performer who was later drafted into the NFL. He also successfully recruited Mansoor Delane, who has since transferred to LSU and is projected as a potential NFL draft pick in 2026.
NFL Pipeline and Special Teams Expertise
Throughout his career, Jones has consistently coached players who have gone on to succeed at the NFL level. At Duke, he coached Ross Cockrell, a fourth-round NFL Draft pick, and Jamison Crowder, a second-team All-America selection who was drafted by the Washington Commanders. He also has a proven track record of developing players on special teams.
Beyond the Field: A Commitment to Education
Jones’ commitment extends beyond football. He authored the book “Always Play To Win,” a collection of inspirational quotes, and used the proceeds to support college students from his hometown.
Early Playing Career
Before embarking on his coaching journey, Jones was a two-time All-SEC cornerback at Ole Miss, beginning his coaching career as a graduate assistant with the Rebels in 1998.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Derek Jones’ connection to Jim Knowles?
Derek Jones and Jim Knowles previously worked together at Duke University, where Knowles was the defensive coordinator.
Where did Derek Jones coach before Tennessee?
Derek Jones was most recently the cornerbacks coach and defensive recruiting coordinator at Virginia Tech.
Has Derek Jones coached any NFL players?
Yes, Derek Jones has coached several players who went on to have successful NFL careers, including Ross Cockrell and Jamison Crowder.
Pro Tip: A strong coaching staff with established relationships can significantly impact a team’s performance. The connection between Jones and Knowles could be a key factor in Tennessee’s defensive success.
Stay tuned for further updates on Tennessee football and the evolving coaching landscape. Explore more articles on our site for in-depth analysis and insights.
