Tennessee lost its running backs coach, Jerry Mack, to the professional ranks earlier this week. Mack accepted the same role with the Jacksonville Jaguars, a big loss for the Vols’ coaching staff after he did excellent work with his group. Now, Michigan has hired Tennessee linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary for the same role. Football Scoop reported that the Wolverines had engaged Jean-Mary in discussions about a potential reunion in Ann Arbor. The news is now official, and the Vols are working to replace two pivotal assistant coaches in one offseason. Jean-Mary previously worked in Ann Arbor before coming to Knoxville, Tennessee, to join head coach Josh Heupel and his staff. Jean-Mary connected well with recruits on the recruiting trail and will be missed in Tennessee. However, Heupel has continually found top assistants across college football, whether that be through an internal promotion or signing a veteran coach with experience. He has a fully committed athletic department behind him, ready to help with both hiring processes. Additionally, the Vols have retained both coordinators, a luxury they weren’t afforded prior to the 2023 season
