New Tennessee CB Coach Derek Jones Delivers Emotional Pregame Speech

Jones, who previously coached at Virginia Tech, is the latest addition to Tennessee's revamped defensive coaching staff.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Tennessee football has hired Derek Jones as its new cornerbacks coach. Jones previously spent four years as the defensive backs coach at Virginia Tech. In a video posted before the Hokies' season finale against rival Virginia, Jones delivered an emotional pregame speech to his unit, reflecting on the journey of coaching and the impact they've had on each other's lives.

Why it matters

The addition of Jones to Tennessee's coaching staff is part of a larger overhaul of the Volunteers' defensive coaching lineup under new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. Jones has prior experience working with Knowles, which should help provide continuity as Tennessee looks to improve its defense in 2026.

The details

Jones comes to Tennessee after spending the last four years as the defensive backs coach at Virginia Tech. After the Hokies fired head coach Brent Pry and hired James Franklin, Jones found himself back on the job market. Tennessee originally hired Michael Hunter to replace Willie Martinez as cornerbacks coach, but Hunter left to join the Los Angeles Rams' coaching staff. Jones has experience working with new Tennessee defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, having coached cornerbacks and special teams at Duke from 2010-17 when Knowles was the defensive coordinator.

  • In December 2025, after Virginia Tech's season ended, Jones posted a video of him giving an emotional pregame speech to his unit before their season finale against rival Virginia.
  • Jones was hired by Tennessee as their new cornerbacks coach on February 16, 2026.

The players

Derek Jones

The new cornerbacks coach for the Tennessee Volunteers football team, who previously held the same position at Virginia Tech.

Josh Heupel

The head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers football team, who hired Jones to his coaching staff.

Jim Knowles

The new defensive coordinator for the Tennessee Volunteers football team, who previously worked with Jones at Duke University.

Michael Hunter

The former cornerbacks coach for the Tennessee Volunteers football team, who left to join the Los Angeles Rams' coaching staff.

Willie Martinez

The former cornerbacks coach for the Tennessee Volunteers football team, who was replaced by Michael Hunter.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“You can get souped up for this rivalry. You can get your mind right for this rivalry, but there's going to be a lot of things happen to you in life that you don't know coming. The mindset that you learned from playing this game, the mindset your learned from having good leaders— those are the things that matter guys. It's been a pleasure to coach every one of you. Like I told you today, none of us know what happens after tonight. But we've got one more opportunity together.”

— Derek Jones, Cornerbacks Coach (Video posted to Twitter)

What’s next

Jones will look to quickly integrate himself into Tennessee's revamped defensive coaching staff and help the Volunteers improve their secondary play in the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The emotional pregame speech from Derek Jones highlights the personal connections and lasting impact that college football coaches can have on their players. Jones' addition to Tennessee's staff is part of a broader effort to rebuild the Volunteers' defense under new coordinator Jim Knowles.