Tim Banks – Syndication Server

Tim Banks discusses Keenan Pili returning to Vols’ defense

Tennessee defensive coordinator Tim Banks discusses linebacker Keenan Pili returning to the Vols’ defense in 2024.

Redshirt senior linebacker Keenan Pili is in his second season with Tennessee.

The 6-foot-3, 240-pound Pili appeared in one game last season for the Vols. He recorded four tackles and played 29 snaps in Tennessee’s season-opening win versus Virginia in 2023. Pili suffered an upper-body injury and missed the final 11 games during the regular-season.

Tennessee defensive coordinator Tim Banks met with media on Tuesday ahead of the Vols’ Week 3 matchup with Kent State. He discussed having Pili returning the Vols’ defense this season.

“For me, it is very satisfying,” Banks said. “He is a kid who has worked his tail off. He got hurt early in the season last year. I know how tough that was for him, but he stayed locked in. He stayed with the team. He continued to push guys and learn our defense, so to finally see him see the fruits of his efforts, man listen, I feel like a proud dad to see him go out there and do what he did.

“He is a big athlete, we knew that. He has great stamina. We think he is only going to get better as he continues to grow in this defense, so we are excited for him.”

Through two games this season, Pili has recorded six tackles.

Tim Banks discusses Tennessee’s spring football practices

Tennessee defensive coordinator Tim Banks discusses spring football practices.

Tennessee kicked off spring practices at Anderson Training Center on Monday in preparation for the 2024 campaign.

The Vols will conclude spring practices with its annual Orange & White Game on April 13 at Neyland Stadium.

The 2024 Orange & White Game will be held with limited capacity. Approximately 10,000 fans will be in attendance due to construction. The Orange & White Game will air live on SEC Network+ and across all Vol Network radio affiliates.

PHOTOS: Tennessee kicks off spring football practices

Following Tennessee’s second spring practice on Tuesday at Anderson Training Center, fourth-year defensive coordinator Tim Banks met with media. His media availability can be watched below.

Jaylen McCollough breaks Tennessee career record for starts

Jaylen McCollough breaks Tennessee career record for starts.

No. 23 Tennessee (9-4, 4-4 SEC) defeated No. 17 Iowa (10-4, 7-2 Big Ten), 35-0, Monday in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida.

Rankings reflect the US LBM Coaches Poll.

Senior defensive back Jaylen McCollough made his 51st career start in Tennessee’s win against Iowa. That sets Tennessee’s career record for starts, passing defensive back Jonathan Hefney, who started 50 games for the Vols from 2004-07.

The 6-foot, 206-pound McCollough recorded four tackles and one pass deflection against the Hawkeyes.

“We are proud of him,” Tennessee defensive coordinator Tim Banks said of McCollough ahead of the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. “I think it says a lot about him as a man and his durability and being able to fight through some bumps and bruises. We are excited for him. Not only has he been a tremendous player on the field, but, definitely, a great locker room teammate and a guy that we have enjoyed coaching through this ride.”

PHOTOS: Tennessee defeats Iowa in 2024 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl

Tim Banks discusses Tennessee’s defensive backs against Iowa

Defensive coordinator Tim Banks discusses Tennessee’s defensive backs against Iowa.

Seven Tennessee defensive backs entered the NCAA transfer portal following the conclusion of the 2023 regular-season and ahead of the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl against Iowa.

Warren Burrell (transferred to Georgia Tech), Jack Luttrell (transferred to Arizona), Brandon Turnage, Doneiko Slaughter (transferred to Arkansas), De’Shawn Rucker (transferred to South Florida), Tamarion McDonald (transferred to Ole Miss) and Wesley Walker entered the NCAA transfer portal for the Vols.

Tennessee defensive coordinator Tim Banks met with media on Friday and discussed younger student-athletes receiving more playing time in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl.

“Anytime you get a chance to get some reps under your belt, it is a chance to build upon it,” Banks said. “Game reps are obviously different than practice reps, and having a chance to do it in the Citrus Bowl on this type of stage will definitely be a valuable experience that those guys can build upon heading into the spring and into the fall.

“It will be great for those guys to go out there and cut their teeth and get this thing going to get them to springboard to build upon it, absolutely.”

Tim Banks is one of seven FBS assistants due for a big payday

Tennessee defensive coordinator Tim Banks is one of seven FBS assistant coaches due for a big payday.

Tim Banks is in his third season as Tennessee’s defensive coordinator.

With two games remaining in the 2023 regular-season, Banks is one of seven FBS assistants due for a big payday, according to USA TODAY Sports.

The assessment is part of an annual review of assistant coach compensation, USA TODAY Sports identified those in the FBS who are likely to see a bump in pay, either because of a strong performance or job offers.

USA TODAY Sports’ assessment of Banks:

Banks is the 18th highest-paid assistant coach in the FBS this season, but he might still see a raise given where his compensation ranks among defensive coordinators in the Southeastern Conference (seventh). Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel, whose focus is on offense, likely feels fortunate that he can rely on Banks to lead the Volunteers’ defense − a unit that, with the exception of last week’s loss to Missouri, has been fairly steady. No defense has scored more touchdowns than Tennessee’s four, and the line has been particularly impressive, ranking among the nation’s best in sacks (tied for seventh in the FBS) and tackles for loss (tied for fourth).

A full review of seven FBS assistant coaches, including Banks, who are due for a big payday can be read here.

READ: Josh Heupel top 10 in 2023 USA TODAY Sports head coach salary database

Tim Banks nominated for Broyles Award

Tennessee defensive coordinator Tim Banks nominated for the Broyles Award.

Tennessee defensive coordinator Tim Banks has been nominated for the Frank Broyles Award.

The award is given to the top assistant football coach. Banks is one of 57 nominees for the award, which is given by the Broyles Foundation.

The award is named for former Arkansas head coach Frank Broyles.

The Broyles Award selection process includes the Football Writers Association of America, broadcasters, a College Football Hall-of-Fame selection committee and current college head coaches.

A selection committee of former head coaches, broadcasters and a committee representing the FWAA will select 15 semifinalists and the winner.

The 2022 Broyles Award winner was TCU offensive coordinator Garrett Riley, who is now serving in the same capacity at Clemson.

Everything Tim Banks said ahead of Texas A&M game

Everything Tennessee defensive coordinator Tim Banks said ahead of the Texas A&M game.

No. 17 Tennessee (4-1, 1-1 SEC) will host Texas A&M (4-2, 2-1 SEC) on Saturday in Week 7.

Kickoff is slated for 3:30 p.m. EDT and will be televised by CBS. Brad Nessler (play-by-play), Gary Danielson (analyst) and Jenny Dell (sideline) will be on the call.

Tennessee had an open date in Week 6, while the Aggies lost to Alabama, 26-20.

Tennessee football releases Week 7 depth chart ahead of Texas A&M game

Entering Week 7, Tennessee’s defense is averaging 17.8 points, 192.8 passing yards and 115.4 rushing yards per game in 2023.

Third-year Tennessee defensive coach Tim Banks met with media ahead of Saturday’s contest versus Texas A&M. Everything Banks said is listed below.

Watch: Tim Banks previews Tennessee-Texas A&M

Watch: Vols’ defensive coordinator Tim Banks previews Tennessee-Texas A&M

No. 17 Tennessee (4-1, 1-1 SEC) will host Texas A&M (4-2, 2-1 SEC) on Saturday in Week 7.

Rankings reflect the US LBM Coaches Poll.

Kickoff between the Vols and Aggies is slated for 3:30 p.m. EDT at Neyland Stadium.

CBS will televise the Southeastern Conference cross-divisional matchup. Brad Nessler (play-by-play), Gary Danielson (analyst) and Jenny Dell (sideline) will be on the call.

Tennessee football releases Week 7 depth chart ahead of Texas A&M game

Entering Week 7, Tennessee’s defense is averaging 17.8 points, 192.8 passing yards and 115.4 rushing yards per game in 2023.

Tennessee defensive coordinator Tim Banks met with media on Tuesday and previewed the Texas A&M game. Banks’ media availability can be watched below.

Rickey Gibson ‘continues to grow’ during 2023 season

Tennessee defensive back Rickey Gibson III “continues to grow” during 2023 season.

Freshman defensive back Rickey Gibson III has appeared in three games for the Vols in 2023.

He has not recorded any statistics.

Tennessee third-year defensive coordinator Tim Banks discussed potentially giving Gibson III more playing time.

“We definitely like Rickey Gibson,” Banks said ahead of playing UTSA in Week 4. “We feel like he’s one of the freshmen that continues to grow and continues to get better week in and week out. My stance hasn’t changed. We want to play as many guys as we possibly can, develop some depth and be able to play at a high standard coming down the back stretch of the season. Every week is a new week, but as he continues to get better, we’ll continue to try and get him more repetitions.”

The 6-foot, 185-pound Gibson III came to Tennessee from Hewitt-Trussville High School in Trussville, Alabama.

Tim Banks discusses Tyler Baron being healthy in 2023

Tennessee defensive coordinator Tim Banks discusses Tyler Baron being healthy in 2023.

Senior defensive lineman Tyler Baron is in his fourth season at Tennessee.

The 6-foot-5, 260-pound Baron recorded three tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss and two sacks in the Vols’ season-opening win versus Virginia.

Third-year defensive coordinator Tim Banks met with media on Tuesday and discussed Baron in 2023.

“I think it’s, just like I tell anyone, being healthy,” Banks said. “Tyler is healthy. He’s always had the potential to be one of the elite players in this conference. Having the chance to keep him healthy is job number one for us and for him, as well.

“I think as long as he stays healthy and stays with the mindset and the intent that he has, we expect him to have a tremendous season for us moving forward.”

Baron appeared 36 games for the Vols from 2020-22, recording 73 tackles and 7.5 sacks.

PHOTOS: Tennessee football defeats Virginia in Nashville to open 2023 season