Josh Heupel was hired as Tennessee’s head coach on Jan. 27.
He is in the process of assembling his first coaching staff with the Vols.
Heupel is one of the most innovative offensive minds throughout the sport and fields an uptempo power Air Raid scheme.
Heupel’s uptempo offense can cause for his defense to stay on the field longer, whether it is due to the power Air Raid scheme scoring quick, three-and-outs or by turnovers.
An attacking defense can compliment his uptempo offense.
For instance, one example of a coach that could help compliment Heupel’s offensive tempo is former Georgia Southern head coach (2016-17) and UCF defensive coordinator (2012-14) Tyson Summers.
Summers has a history of running a 4-3 scheme, but has become versatile lately running 3-4 looks after spending time as a defensive quality control coach at Georgia under Kirby Smart in 2018 and as defensive coordinator at Colorado (2019-20).
Summers went to Colorado in 2019 as defensive coordinator under Mel Tucker. Tucker left Colorado after one season and became head coach at Michigan State.
Summers remained defensive coordinator with the Buffaloes for new head coach Karl Dorrell.
Darrin Chiaverini was promoted by Dorrell as offensive coordinator. Chiaverini came to Colorado after serving as an assistant for Kliff Kingsbury at Texas Tech.
At Colorado, Summers fielded more of a pressure defense because the Buffaloes’ offense was going fast and playing a lot of snaps. The game plan was to compliment Colorado’s offensive tempo.
The Buffaloes and Summers placed an emphasis on tackles for a loss, third down defense, making a difference in three-and-outs, being efficient in red zone touchdown percentage and opponent quarterback rating.
The philosophy is susceptible to big plays, but allows for defensive rewards and having your offense on the field more.
Following the conclusion of a six-game 2020 season, Dorrell elected to part ways with Summers to bring in his own hire.
Sources: Tyson Summers is out as #Colorado's defensive coordinator. A surprise as Buffs defense excelled and improved in many areas, especially tackles for loss, red zone and third- and fourth-down D. Summers came to CU under Mel Tucker. Hearing Karl Dorrell wants his own guy.
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) January 12, 2021
The move took place after Colorado finished ranked No. 7 nationally in tackles for a loss, No. 13 in third down conversion percentage and No. 42 in red zone defense.
Now being available, Summers would be an ideal option to serve on Heupel’s defensive staff.
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