It is widely acknowledged that Rodney Garner, the defensive line coach at Tennessee, is among the best assistants in
college football. His résumé speaks for itself, and he is highly respected in the area. Having coached major college
football at multiple positions, he has consistently produced NFL pass rushers and signed top prospects. Earlier in the
offseason, there were rumors that Garner may move to Auburn, the Tigers’ alma mater, from Knoxville, Tennessee.
After deciding to stick with the team, Garner inked a one-year contract extension that will keep him involved in the
program until the 2025 campaign. He will receive a wage increase from his prior contract, totaling $900,000 per
year.
Securing the services of their best assistant was crucial because the Vols lost linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary to
the Michigan Wolverines earlier in the offseason. Tennessee’s defensive line appears solid for the foreseeable future
under Garner’s leadership, especially considering their performance from the previous campaign.
