Tennessee’s coaching staff is taking an unexpected hit just weeks before spring practice, as defensive backs coach Michael Hunter is reportedly heading to the NFL to join the Los Angeles Rams.
According to reports, Hunter is expected to take on a defensive backs coaching role with the Rams after spending just over a month in Knoxville. It’s a quick turnaround for the former NFL defensive back, who had only recently been brought on board by defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. Before his brief stint with the Vols, Hunter served as an assistant defensive backs coach at Ohio State for the past two seasons, working under Knowles in Columbus.
For Tennessee, this departure stings - and the timing couldn’t be tougher. The Vols had made a strong move in bringing Hunter in, banking on his familiarity with Knowles’ system and his growing reputation as a rising coach in the college ranks. His NFL playing experience, combined with his recent work with elite talent at Ohio State, made him a compelling addition to a Tennessee staff looking to elevate its secondary play.
But now, with Hunter heading to Los Angeles, Josh Heupel and his staff are back to the drawing board. The Vols will need to find a new defensive backs coach - and fast.
Spring practice kicks off March 16, and most top candidates have already landed jobs for the 2026 season. That puts Tennessee in a tricky spot, trying to fill a key position room with limited time and a shrinking pool of available coaches.
Hunter, for his part, had expressed excitement about joining Tennessee when he was hired, saying, “I couldn’t be more excited about being here at Tennessee. Thanks to Coach Heupel and Coach Knowles for giving me this opportunity. I take great pride in building relationships with our players and helping them become the best they can be on and off the field.”
Clearly, the NFL came calling quickly - and Hunter answered.
For the Vols, it’s now about adjusting on the fly. The secondary was already a position group under the microscope heading into 2026, and now it’ll be led by a new face - whoever that may be. The challenge for Heupel and Knowles is not just finding someone who can coach the position, but someone who can connect with players and hit the ground running in a crucial development window.
The clock is ticking in Knoxville.