The Tennessee Vols wrapped up their 2025 season with a decent 8-5 record. But head coach Josh Heupel could not ignore the defensive issues plaguing the roster. Just a year ago, defensive coordinator Tim Banks had engineered a unit that ranked seventh nationally. But he couldn’t sustain that momentum this season. On Dec. 7, Tennessee decided to part ways with him.

Banks joined Tennessee in 2021. After serving the Vols in the capacity of a defensive coordinator and special teams, he leaves the program with a reported $4.3 million buyout range. However, according to similar programs, his buyout has a wide margin compared to others. Recently, Nebraska fired DC John Butler and owes him $1.1 million.

However, Banks’ contract includes a standard mitigation clause. It requires him to diligently

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