Complete look at Tennessee football’s assistant coach salaries in 2024

USA TODAY recently published its annual database on coaching salaries, shedding light on the earnings of assistant football coaches across college football programs. Among these, Tennessee’s coaching staff stands out with some notable figures.

At the top of Tennessee’s assistant coaching payroll is Tim Banks, the team’s defensive coordinator. Banks earns a substantial annual salary of $1,500,000, making him the highest-paid assistant coach for the Volunteers. His compensation reflects the critical role he plays in shaping the team’s defensive strategies and overall performance on the field.

Following Banks, offensive line coach Glen Elarbee and defensive line coach Rodney Garner each bring in $900,000 annually. These two coaches are integral to Tennessee’s success in controlling the trenches, ensuring that both the offensive and defensive lines perform at a high level. Their roles are pivotal in maintaining the team’s physical dominance during games.

Joey Halzle, who serves as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, earns $850,000 annually. Halzle’s responsibilities include developing the team’s offensive schemes and mentoring the quarterbacks, key positions that often determine the outcome of games. His efforts contribute to the dynamic and high-scoring offense for which Tennessee has become known under head coach Josh Heupel.

First-year linebackers coach William Inge is compensated $720,000 annually, highlighting the value placed on his fresh perspective and ability to coach one of the most critical units on the defensive side. Meanwhile, outside linebackers coach and special teams coordinator Mike Ekeler earns $575,000. Ekeler’s dual responsibilities ensure the special teams—a crucial but often overlooked aspect of football—operate efficiently while also providing expertise for outside linebacker development.

Other assistant coaches round out the staff with salaries that reflect their respective contributions. Wide receivers coach Kelsey Pope earns $550,000 annually, a testament to his role in developing the team’s dynamic receiving corps. Secondary coach Willie Martinez earns slightly less at $540,000, yet his expertise is essential in strengthening the team’s pass defense. Running backs coach De’Rail Sims earns $350,000 annually, guiding the performance of one of the most versatile and physical groups on the team. Tight ends coach Alec Abeln earns $250,000 annually, completing the lineup of Tennessee’s assistant coaching staff.

These salaries underscore the financial commitment Tennessee has made to building and retaining a competitive coaching staff. Each coach’s compensation reflects their specific roles and the value they bring to the program. In the high-stakes world of college football, assembling a well-paid and skilled coaching staff is often a prerequisite for success.

The financial data also speaks to the broader trend in college football, where coaching salaries have escalated significantly in recent years. Programs competing at the highest level, such as Tennessee, recognize the necessity of investing heavily in top-tier coaching talent to remain competitive in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and beyond. The SEC, widely regarded as the toughest conference in college football, demands excellence both on the field and on the sidelines.

This investment in coaching has paid dividends for Tennessee. The Volunteers finished the 2024 regular season with an impressive 10-2 record, including a 6-2 mark in SEC play. This strong performance secured them a spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP), where they will face Ohio State in the first round on December 21. The team’s success is a testament to the effective collaboration between head coach Josh Heupel and his staff, now in their fourth season together.

Tennessee’s resurgence under Heupel has been characterized by a blend of innovative offensive strategies and solid defensive execution. The coaching staff’s ability to recruit, develop talent, and implement effective game plans has transformed the program into a national contender. This upward trajectory has reignited enthusiasm among the fan base and placed Tennessee football back in the national spotlight.

Moreover, the Volunteers’ achievements on the field align with their financial investments off the field. Tennessee’s administration has demonstrated its commitment to sustaining a competitive football program by providing the resources necessary to attract and retain top coaching talent. The compensation package for the assistant coaches is a reflection of this commitment, ensuring the team remains well-positioned for continued success.

The release of USA TODAY’s salary database also offers valuable insights into the economics of college football. It highlights the growing disparity in resources between programs with significant financial backing and those operating with tighter budgets. For programs like Tennessee, the ability to invest in a high-caliber coaching staff provides a competitive edge in the ever-evolving landscape of college athletics.

As the Volunteers prepare to face Ohio State in the CFP, the impact of their coaching staff will undoubtedly be on display. From Tim Banks’ defensive schemes to Joey Halzle’s offensive play-calling, each coach’s contributions will play a critical role in determining the outcome of the game. The stakes are high, but Tennessee’s coaching staff has proven capable of meeting the challenge.

Looking ahead, the Vols’ ability to sustain their recent success will depend not only on the performance of the players but also on the continued excellence of their coaching staff. As salaries for top assistants rise across the nation, Tennessee’s willingness to invest in its coaches will remain a key factor in maintaining its competitive edge. The financial commitment to these coaches is not just an expense but an investment in the program’s future, ensuring that Tennessee football continues to thrive at the highest level.