Tennessee Vols football avoided a big loss this offseason

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Zach Ragan | Last updated 4/8/24

The Tennessee Vols were forced to replace two key assistant coaches this offseason after linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary left for Michigan and running backs coach Jerry Mack left for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Tennessee hired former Washington linebackers coach William Inge to replace Jean-Mary. Former Cincinnati running backs coach De'Rail Sims was hired to replace Mack.

The Vols were apparently in danger of also needing to replace a third assistant coach.

Late Kick host Josh Pate noted this past week that he heard rumors that "a lot of teams" wanted to hire Tennessee wide receivers coach Kelsey Pope, but the Vols were able to keep the rising star in Knoxville.

"I heard rumors that a lot of teams wanted Kelsey Pope," said Pate. "Tennessee was able to hold on to him and greatly enhanced his salary. That was a big-time retention piece. Tennessee kept him, and they placed a premium on the wide receiver position."

There were rumblings that the Georgia Bulldogs were one of the programs interested in Pope, though it's unclear if UGA heavily pursued him.

Georgia was in need of a wide receivers coach after Bryan McClendon left to take the wide receivers coach job with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bulldogs eventually hired James Coley, who was previously the offensive coordinator in Athens, to replace McClendon.

Pope has proved to be an elite recruiter for the Vols. Losing him would've been a huge loss for Tennessee. But fortunately for the Vols, Pope will be back on Rocky Top for at least another season (don't be surprised, though, if the NFL comes calling next offseason).

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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