Tennessee has hired Derek Jones, a 27-year coaching veteran, as its new cornerbacks coach to replace Michael Hunter who departed for the Rams. Jones worked previously with Tennessee's defensive coordinator Jim Knowles at Duke and has experience coaching SEC football and developing NFL cornerbacks.
Most recently at Virginia Tech, Jones played at Ole Miss in the mid-90s before beginning his coaching career. The Volunteers have rebuilt their cornerback room this offseason through transfers, with spring practice beginning soon as Tennessee prepares for the 2026 season.