Tim Banks, Tennessee
One of the hottest defensive coordinator names in the nation,
Tim Banks directed a Tennessee defense in 2024 that ranked in the top 10 nationally in total defense. The Volunteers allowed just 293.2 yards and 16.1 points per game. Tennessee struggled against Ohio State in the College Football Playoff, but Banks’ defense shut down the SEC for most of the season. Sources tell On3 that Banks could listen to Miami and Mario Cristobal. In the three previous seasons, the Vols led the SEC in tackles for loss per game with 7.62 and are third in turnovers gained per game with 1.44.
Jason Taylor, Miami defensive line coach
If Cristobal decided he wanted to promote from within, Miami defensive line coach
Jason Taylor could be a no-brainer. The former NFL Defensive Player of the Year and Hall of Famer joined the staff as an assistant in 2023 and was previously a defensive analyst for Miami. He’s proven he can recruit at a high level, too, playing a key role in flipping five-star defensive lineman Justin Scott from Ohio State to Miami in the 2024 cycle.