Jim Bob Cooter returns to Rocky Top

Jim Bob Cooter returns to Rocky Top.

Former Tennessee quarterback Jim Bob Cooter returned to Rocky Top on Saturday.

Cooter headlined the 2021 Sequoyah High School Football Coaches Clinic hosted by head coach Ryan Bolinger.

Cooter lettered for the Vols in 2006. He served as a graduate assistant and junior varsity head coach from 2007-08.

Bolinger began his coaching career at Tennessee in 2007 as a defensive graduate assistant under Phillip Fulmer, learning under defensive coordinator John Chavis and working with UT’s defensive line and special teams.

When a head coaching change was made from Fulmer to Lane Kiffin following the 2008 season, Bolinger was eventually promoted to the title of Assistant to the Head Coach.

Bolinger also served as Cooter’s defensive coordinator on Tennessee’s junior varsity team.

During the clinic, Cooter discussed quarterback fundamentals, quarterback drills and building an offensive game-plan.

The former Vol has coached in the NFL since 2009: Indianapolis (2009-11, offensive assistant), Kansas City (2012, quality control), Denver (2013, offensive assistant), Detroit (2014-15, quarterbacks), Detroit (2016-18, offensive coordinator), New York Jets (2019-20, running backs).

September 16, 2018; Santa Clara, CA; Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The 2021 Sequoyah High School Football Coaches Clinic also featured former Tennessee assistants Dan Brooks and Larry Slade.

Brooks, now retired, served as the Vols’ defensive line coach from 1994-2008.

During the clinic, Brooks highlighted how players have to bring an attitude on the field. He also discussed defensive linemen attacking and reading on the run, while teaching players the importance of their eyes, hands and feet.

Slade served as Tennessee’s defensive backs coach from 1999-2008.

During the clinic, he detailed the importance for simplicity in communication and responsibility with his players.

The current Carson-Newman defensive coordinator and safeties coach highlighted concepts on controlling the pass from offenses.

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