Andrew Jackson is stepping into a familiar role this spring at Tennessee, filling in as the defensive line coach while Rodney Garner recovers from an offseason medical procedure. Jackson, who previously coached at West Virginia, is now handling the defensive line duties for the Vols. But this time, he’s got a coaching legend virtually by his side, with Garner attending meetings and offering guidance remotely.
Jackson, one of three new defensive assistants, joined Tennessee after spending the 2025 season with Jim Knowles, who brought him along when he became the Vols' new defensive coordinator. At just over a decade into his coaching career, Jackson is the youngest on a veteran staff.
Garner, with his extensive SEC experience and a track record of developing All-Americans and NFL Draft picks, is a hard act to follow. Jackson describes the opportunity to work with Garner as “eye-opening.”
Now, Jackson is not only leading the LEOs but also stepping up to guide the entire defensive line. “It’s been a bit hectic, but we’ve hit the ground running,” Jackson shared after a recent practice.
With Garner’s return date uncertain, Jackson is the main voice on the field, supported by assistant coaches Nick Brautigam and Lorenzo Neal. The drills sound different without Garner’s trademark intensity, but Jackson brings his own style to the table.
“I’m a little more zen master than he is,” Jackson noted, suggesting a good balance when Garner returns.
Despite his physical absence, Garner remains deeply involved, attending meetings via Zoom-a tool coaches and players became well-acquainted with during the pandemic. Players like Xavier Gilliam and Jordan Norman appreciate Garner’s virtual presence, feeling his influence even from afar.
Jackson likens Garner’s Zoom presence to “the voice of God,” making sure his input is heard loud and clear. This setup has its challenges, but Jackson is managing to keep Garner engaged and involved.
The Vols’ defensive line faces a significant transition, replacing seven of its top 10 players from last season. With a mix of newcomers and returnees, Tennessee is aiming to bounce back from a less-than-stellar 2025. While they ranked fourth in the SEC for sacks and tackles for loss, the run defense saw a sharp decline.
Jackson is familiar with transfers like Gilliam and Chaz Coleman, but many of the returning players and freshmen are new to him. His knowledge of Knowles’s defense is a plus, but blending terminologies has been a challenge. “Football coaches have a thousand different ways to say the same thing,” Jackson explained, highlighting the importance of consistent language.
Jackson’s approachable coaching style is resonating well with players. Gilliam, who’s worked with him before, appreciates Jackson’s clear and relatable explanations. As the Vols’ defensive line navigates this new chapter, Jackson’s leadership is proving to be a key asset.