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Blacksburg Today
By the People, for the People
Former Virginia Tech Assistant Joins SEC Program
Derek Jones leaves Hokies to become cornerbacks coach at Tennessee
Published on Feb. 16, 2026
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Derek Jones, who has served as the cornerbacks coach at Virginia Tech for the past four seasons, is leaving the Hokies to take a job as the cornerbacks coach at Tennessee. Jones has a long history of developing talented defensive backs, including Dorian Strong and Mansoor Delane at Virginia Tech.
Why it matters
Jones' departure is a significant loss for the Virginia Tech football program, as he has been instrumental in the development of the team's defensive backs over the past four seasons. His move to Tennessee represents an opportunity for him to join an SEC program and continue his track record of producing standout cornerbacks.
The details
During his time at Virginia Tech, Jones mentored cornerback Dorian Strong, who earned third-team All-ACC and second-team All-American honors in 2023. He also helped develop Mansoor Delane, who was named a Freshman All-American in 2022. Prior to joining the Hokies, Jones served as the associate head coach and co-defensive coordinator at Texas Tech, where he coached several defensive backs who went on to the NFL.
- Jones has been the cornerbacks coach at Virginia Tech for the past four seasons.
- He is leaving Virginia Tech to take a job as the cornerbacks coach at Tennessee.
The players
Derek Jones
A 25-year coaching veteran who has served as the cornerbacks coach at Virginia Tech for the past four seasons.
Dorian Strong
A cornerback at Virginia Tech who earned third-team All-ACC and second-team All-American honors in 2023 under Jones' tutelage.
Mansoor Delane
A cornerback at Virginia Tech who was named a Freshman All-American in 2022 under Jones' coaching.
Ja'Marcus Ingram
A cornerback Jones coached at Texas Tech who signed with the Buffalo Bills in 2022 and is entering his third professional season.
Dadrion Taylor-Demerson
A cornerback Jones coached at Texas Tech who was a fourth-round draft pick of the Arizona Cardinals in 2024.
What they’re saying
“Tennessee is expected to hire veteran defensive backs coach Derek Jones as cornerbacks coach, sources tell @CBSSports.”
— Matt Zenitz (CBS Sports)
What’s next
Jones' departure leaves Virginia Tech with a vacancy at the cornerbacks coach position, which the program will need to fill in the coming weeks.
The takeaway
Derek Jones' move from Virginia Tech to Tennessee represents a significant loss for the Hokies, as he has been instrumental in developing the team's defensive backs over the past four seasons. However, his departure also presents an opportunity for Virginia Tech to bring in a new coach who can continue the program's tradition of producing standout cornerbacks.
