(Knoxville, January 2, 2026) – Tennessee is expected to add Ohio State assistant coach Michael Hunter Jr. to head coach Josh Heupel’s defensive staff, CBS Sports reported on January 1.
Hunter is expected to coach defensive backs, filling a role vacated after Heupel fired secondary coach Willie Martinez. He joins Penn State assistant Andrew jackson, who is reportedly expected to coach in the front seven of the UT defense.
- Tennessee is bolstering its defensive coaching staff under new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles.
- Michael Hunter Jr. is expected to coach the defensive backs.
- Hunter previously worked with Knowles at both Oklahoma State and Ohio State.
Tennessee has not officially announced Hunter’s hiring, and typically waits to do so until a contract or memorandum of understanding is signed.
Hunter spent the past two seasons as an assistant defensive backs coach at Ohio state. Prior to that, in 2023, he served as Tulsa’s defensive pass game coordinator and cornerbacks coach. He was an assistant defensive secondary coach at Oklahoma State in 2021 and 2022.
Hunter is familiar with Knowles’ defensive scheme, having worked under him at both Oklahoma State and Ohio State, including with the Buckeyes’ 2024 national championship team that boasted the nation’s top-ranked defense.
As a player, Hunter was a standout cornerback at Indiana and Oklahoma State. He was on the rosters of six NFL teams from 2016-2019, including the New York Giants, New York Jets, denver Broncos, Buffalo Bills, Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs.
Hunter’s addition is among several changes to Knowles’ defensive staff. Heupel hired Knowles in December to replace Tim Banks as defensive coordinator.
Why It Matters
The hiring of michael Hunter jr. is a key step in Josh Heupel’s plan to rebuild the Tennessee defense under new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. Hunter, who is expected to coach the defensive backs, brings a proven track record of success within Knowles’ system, having been part of the Buckeyes’ 2024 national championship team. Heupel fired secondary coach Willie Martinez, creating the opening for Hunter. Andrew Jackson is also expected to join the staff, coaching the front seven. Hunter’s experience with knowles should accelerate the implementation of a new defensive scheme, addressing struggles from the 2025 season. The hiring is currently unconfirmed, pending a signed contract or memorandum of understanding, as is typical for Tennessee.
Time.news based this report in part on reporting by Knoxville News Sentinel and added independent analysis and context.
