Tag: Tracy Rocker

VFL Shy Tuttle comments on Tracy Rocker’s departure

VFL Shy Tuttle comments on Tracy Rocker’s departure.

There is a new defensive line coach in Knoxville, as Tracy Rocker’s move to South Carolina brings in former Colorado defensive line coach Jimmy Brumbaugh as his replacement.

Rocker was brought to Tennessee when Jeremy Pruitt was hired before the 2018 season, and had just one season to work with senior defensive tackle Shy Tuttle.

Tuttle commented on Rocker’s departure on Monday, praising his former position coach.

Tuttle saw a spike in virtually every element of his game under Rocker’s tutelage. Playing in all twelve regular season games for the first time in his career, Tuttle finished 2018 with a career-best 33 total tackles, along with his first career sack against West Virginia. The 6-foot-3, 300-pound run-stopper even intercepted a pass in his senior season against South Carolina.

Despite going undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft, Tuttle was signed by the New Orleans Saints and enjoyed a successful rookie campaign that included 18 total tackles, two sacks and an interception.

Tennessee makes changes to football coaching staff

2020 Tennessee football.

KNOXVILLE — Tennessee has made changes to its coaching staff on Monday, Vols Wire has learned.

Tennessee has hired Jimmy Brumbaugh as its new defensive line coach, replacing Tracy Rocker who departed for South Carolina.

Tracy Rocker
Photo by Dan Harralson, Vols Wire

Brumbaugh comes to Tennessee from Colorado where he served as defensive line coach. He previously coached in the Southeastern Conference at Kentucky (2013–16, defensive line) and LSU (2006–07, assistant strength and conditioning). Brumbaugh played at Auburn from 1995-99.

Jimmy Brumbaugh Auburn

Chris Rumph
Photo by Dan Harralson, Vols Wire

Tennessee co-defensive coordinator and outside linebackers coach Chris Rumph is also leaving the Vols’ coaching staff. Rumph is joining the Houston Texans in the National Football League.

Contracts set to expire for Tracy Rocker, Chris Weinke

Contracts set to expire for Tracy Rocker, Chris Weinke.

KNOXVILLE — Tennessee defensive line coach Tracy Rocker has served in the capacity for two seasons within Jeremy Pruitt’s tenure as head coach at UT.

Friday is Rocker’s final day working for Tennessee with his initial contract. His contract reads as followed below.

Tracy Rocker’s contract

Tracy Rocker
Photo by Dan Harralson, Vols Wire

SECTION 1.2. TERM. The term of this Agreement shall be from December 8, 2017 through January 31, 2020, unless sooner terminated as provided in this Agreement (the “Term”). The University may allow the Term to expire and elect not to renew Coach’s employment as Assistant Football Coach without complying with any University Rules applicable to staff-exempt employees who do not serve under a contract of employment for a definite term. Oral agreements to renew or extend the Term are invalid and nonbinding. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Contract Year” shall mean a three hundred and sixty-five (365) day period beginning on February 1 of one calendar year and ending on January 31 of the immediately succeeding calendar year; however, the first Contract Year in the Term shall begin on December 8, 2017 and end on January 31, 2019.

Tennessee quarterbacks coach Chris Weinke, who served as the Vols’ running backs coach in 2018, is also working within his final day of his initial contract. Weinke’s contract reads as followed below.

Chris Weinke’s contract

Chris Weinke
Photo by Dan Harralson, Vols Wire

SECTION 1.2. The term of this Agreement shall be from February 15, 2018 through January 31, 2020, unless sooner terminated as provided in this Agreement (the “Term”). The University may allow the Term to expire and elect not to renew Coach’s employment as Assistant Football Coach without complying with any University Rules applicable to staff-exempt employees who do not serve under a contract of employment for a definite term. Oral agreements to renew or extend the Term are invalid and nonbinding. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Contract Year” shall mean a three hundred and sixty-five (365) day period beginning on February 1 of one calendar year and ending on January 31 of the immediately succeeding calendar year; however, the first Contract Year in the Term shall begin on February 15, 2018 and end on January 31, 2019.

A way-too-early preview of Tennessee’s defensive line in 2020

2020 Tennessee football.

KNOXVILLE — When Jeremy Pruitt took over as the head coach at Tennessee in Dec. 2017, there was a litany of flaws on a football team that was coming off a 4-8 campaign that saw Butch Jones fired.

Possibly the toughest challenge to overcome was Tennessee’s weakness in the trenches.

Both the offensive and defensive lines were devoid of talent and size needed to compete in the SEC. Heading into 2020, those two units are the only ones that return every starter from a 2019 season that ended with a six-game win streak and finishing 8-5.

One of the best pro prospects up front defensively for Tennessee is rising senior defensive end Aubrey Solomon. The former 5-star and Michigan transfer learned of his eligibility only days before the season-opener against Georgia State and finished the season with 28 tackles and three sacks. Another year in Pruitt’s system should benefit Solomon, especially as he is surrounded by more experienced talent.

NEXT (Continued): A way-too-early preview of Tennessee’s defensive line in 2020

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