Tennessee Adds Defensive Coach Andrew Jackson

Jackson joins Rocky Top after stints at West Virginia and Penn State.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Tennessee has brought on Andrew Jackson as a new defensive coach this offseason. Jackson, who has previous experience at West Virginia and Penn State, discussed his excitement about joining the Volunteers' staff and working with veteran defensive line coach Rodney Garner.

Why it matters

Tennessee is looking to bolster its defense after a mixed 2025 season, and the addition of Jackson, who has worked in multiple defensive schemes, could help the team improve on that side of the ball.

The details

Jackson highlighted his appreciation for the opportunity to learn from Garner, who he described as a "legend" in defensive line coaching. He also spoke about the benefits of his past experiences working in different defensive systems, which he believes will help him quickly get up to speed with Tennessee's scheme.

  • Jackson joined the Tennessee staff in February 2026.

The players

Andrew Jackson

A new defensive coach for the Tennessee Volunteers, joining the staff in 2026 after previous stints at West Virginia and Penn State.

Rodney Garner

Tennessee's veteran defensive line coach, who Jackson praised as a "legend" in his field.

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What they’re saying

“I love recruiting and it's a necessary thing but it's good to pay attention to guys on the team and get a chance to know them and install the defense. See how the new coaches think and work together. I think we already have great chemistry in the defensive room and then having the first meetings with the guys and show them the scheme and take advantage of all their talents to put them in position to make plays is fun. I think it's exactly what we want to do as coaches.”

— Andrew Jackson, Tennessee Defensive Coach (on3.com)

“It's special honestly. I'm going to get my doctorate in football from one of the legends in the sport in the conference of defensive line play. I think of coach Larry Johnson in the Big Ten and Rodney Garner in the SEC, these guys are the masters of D-Line play and for me I think I'm stealing from him. The pleasure is all mine because I get to work with Rodney Garner. I don't know if there is anything I can do for him besides hold the door but I'm learning a lot from him already.”

— Andrew Jackson, Tennessee Defensive Coach (on3.com)

The takeaway

Tennessee's addition of Andrew Jackson to its defensive coaching staff brings in an experienced coach who has worked in multiple defensive schemes, which could help the Volunteers improve on that side of the ball. Jackson's enthusiasm for learning from veteran defensive line coach Rodney Garner also suggests he will be a valuable asset in developing Tennessee's defensive talent.