Jones replaces Michael Hunter, who departed for the Los Angeles Rams shortly after joining Tennessee. The 27-year coaching veteran brings SEC experience as both a player at Ole Miss and coach, most recently at Virginia Tech and previously at Texas Tech.
Tennessee has remade its defensive staff, with Jones joining after working with Knowles at Duke. The Volunteers have rebuilt their cornerback room through transfers and NFL departures, with spring practice set to begin soon before the orange and white game on April 11.