The University of Miami is on the hunt for a new running backs coach after making a run to the national championship game, and the ripple effects could be felt all the way in Knoxville. Matt Merritt, who held the position for the Hurricanes, is heading to the NFL to join the Arizona Cardinals’ staff. Now, Miami is eyeing Tennessee's De’Rail Sims as a potential replacement - and that could shake up the Vols’ coaching room for the second time this offseason.
Sims, who just wrapped up his first season in Knoxville, has quickly made an impression. After stepping in for Jerry Mack - who left for the NFL before landing the head coaching job at Kennesaw State - Sims took over a backfield with high expectations and delivered.
Under his watch, Dylan Sampson blossomed into one of the most dynamic players in the SEC, ultimately earning SEC Offensive Player of the Year honors. Sampson was the engine behind a Tennessee offense that had its share of ups and downs but still found a way to punch a ticket to the 12-team College Football Playoff.
That kind of production doesn’t go unnoticed, and it’s no surprise that Sims is drawing interest from a top-tier program like Miami. If he were to leave, it would mark the second departure from Tennessee’s staff in just a few weeks. Earlier this offseason, newly hired cornerbacks coach Michael Hunter Jr. accepted a job in the NFL, prompting the Vols to bring in veteran coach Derek Jones, who most recently worked at Virginia Tech and has experience under defensive coordinator Jim Knowles.
But back to Sims - his impact extended beyond just one standout season. In 2025, he leaned heavily on DeSean Bishop, who stepped up in a big way to notch a 1,000-yard campaign. That marked the third consecutive season Tennessee has produced a 1,000-yard rusher, continuing a trend that began with Jaylen Wright before Sims even arrived.
Looking ahead, if Sims stays in Knoxville, he’ll have a talented and deep running back room to work with. Bishop returns as the likely lead back, joined by Tulane transfer Javin Gordon, promising sophomores Daune Morris and Justin Baker, and incoming freshman Will Rajecki, a three-star prospect with upside.
Whether Sims stays or goes, his brief tenure at Tennessee has already left its mark. He’s proven he can develop talent, maintain a strong rushing tradition, and help guide a backfield through high-stakes moments. Now, the Vols wait to see if they’ll need to make another key hire - or if their rising star of a position coach is sticking around for another run.