University of Tennessee Athletics
Derek Jones Named Tennessee Cornerbacks Coach
February 16, 2026 | Football
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Derek Jones, a 27-year coaching veteran and the former cornerbacks coach at Virginia Tech, has been named Tennessee's new cornerbacks coach, head coach Josh Heupel announced Monday.
Jones owns 18 seasons of coaching cornerbacks at the Power Four level, including from 2022-25 with the Hokies where he also served as defensive recruiting coordinator. Jones mentored Dorian Strong, who earned All-ACC third team honors and All-America status in 2023. In 2024, Strong tallied two interceptions and six pass breakups, earning invites to the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine. He was selected in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills.
Jones helped the Hokies secure six of the top 25 prospects in the state of Virginia during the 2023 recruiting cycle and five of the top 25 in the state in the 2024 class. He coached Mansoor Delane from 2022-24. The former Freshman All-American earned third-team All-ACC honors in 2024 after ranking third in the conference in interceptions (4) and sixth in passes defended (11). Delane is a first round prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Prior to his time in Blacksburg, Jones served as the associate head coach and co-defensive coordinator at Texas Tech from 2020-21. In Lubbock, he tutored defensive backs Ja'Marcus Ingram and Dadrion Taylor-Demerson. Ingram signed an NFL contract in 2022 and is currently with the Houston Texans. Taylor-Demerson was a fourth round draft pick of the Arizona Cardinals in 2024.
Jones also mentored Red Raiders cornerback Demarcus Fields, who was named a second-team All-Big 12 selection in 2021 and was an honorable mention all-conference pick in 2020. Jones molded cornerback Zech McPhearson into a first-team All-Big 12 selection in 2020, becoming just the second Red Raiders' cornerback to earn that distinction since the program joined the Big 12 in 1996. McPhearson was selected in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles.
Fields led all Big 12 cornerbacks with 10 passes defensed in 2021 under Jones' tutelage, while cornerback Rayshad Williams ranked second with nine, making them the most productive tandem in the conference. Williams earned honorable mention All-Big 12 honors.
Jones reunites with Tennessee defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. The two coached together at Duke under former Vol offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe from 2010-17. Jones worked on Cutcliffe's staff for 12 seasons, including serving as associate head coach in 2018-19.
During Jones' tenure in Durham, the Blue Devils earned six bowl appearances and won the ACC Coastal Division in 2013 to reach the school's first-ever ACC Championship Game. Duke posted a 46-32 record from 2013-18, including a trio of bowl victories and a school-record 10 wins in 2013. Duke's appearance in the 2012 Belk Bowl marked the school's first bowl invite since 1995, while a victory in the 2015 Pinstripe Bowl marked the first bowl win for the Blue Devils since 1961.
During Jones' time with Knowles at Duke, five cornerbacks made active NFL rosters. Jones tutored Ross Cockrell, who twice earned first-team All-ACC first-team honors for the Blue Devils and was selected in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft by Buffalo. Cockrell was the first Blue Devil defensive back to be selected in the NFL Draft since 1996. Cockrell left Duke as the school's all-time leader in passes defended (54) and produced 12 interceptions during his collegiate career. Cornerback Mark Gilbert was also a first-team All-ACC selection at Duke under Jones' guidance.
He also coached cornerbacks Michael Carter II and Josh Blackwell at Duke, both of whom are still in the NFL. Carter was a 2021 NFL Draft fifth round pick by the New York Jets and now plays for the Eagles. Blackwell signed a free agent contract following his collegiate career and is currently with Chicago.
As assistant special teams coordinator for the Blue Devils, Jones helped wide receiver Jamison Crowder reach the NFL ranks after excelling on special teams. Crowder was a 2013 second-team All-America selection of the Football Writers of America Association, Phil Steele and Sports Illustrated. Crowder earned 2012 Second-Team All-America status as an all-purpose player by Lindy's. He was selected by Washington in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Cornerback DeVon Edwards earned second-team Walter Camp All-America honors as a return specialist in 2013 and returned six kickoffs for touchdowns during his collegiate career.
Jones has familiarity within the region. He coached cornerbacks at Memphis in 2007 and Middle Tennessee in 2005. He was the cornerbacks coach and recruiting coordinator at Murray State from 2000-04.
The Racers produced seven all-conference selections at cornerback during Jones' five seasons as Murray State. The program led the Ohio Valley Conference in pass defense (142.0 ypg) in 2003 and ranked 11th nationally in total defense (300.9 ypg) in 2004.
Jones also coached cornerbacks at Tulsa in 2006. He guided a unit that was tops in Conference USA in passes defended en route to an appearance in the 2006 Armed Forces Bowl. Cornerback Nick Graham earned all-conference honors under Jones' tutelage and was later signed as a free agent by Philadelphia. Â
Jones' coaching career began at Ole Miss, his alma mater, as a recruiting and operations graduate assistant in 1998 under Cutcliffe. He served as a defensive graduate assistant for the Rebels in 1999.
The Woodruff, South Carolina, native was a four-year letterwinner at Ole Miss as a cornerback from 1993-96. A two-time second-team All-SEC selection, he served as a team captain as a senior. He was also an All-SEC honoree as a sprinter on the track and field squad.
Jones graduated from Ole Miss in 1996 with a degree in public administration. After his time in Oxford, Jones played professionally in the Canadian Football League for the Toronto Argonauts and Edmonton Eskimos and in the Arena Football League for the Nashville Kats.
Jones is a published author after his book, Always Play to Win, hit the shelves in 2017. The book serves as a collection of inspirational quotes to help readers approach every day with a positive mindset. All proceeds from book sales and subsequent speaking engagements help provided financial support to college students from Jones' hometown.
Tennessee Head Coach Josh Heupel on Derek Jones …
"Derek understands what it takes to play cornerback at this level. He's coached and played SEC football and has a track record of developing cornerbacks for the NFL. He's also shown great ability as a recruiter in over two decades of coaching. He has familiarity with Coach Knowles and will make a seamless transition to our staff. We are excited to welcome Derek to Rocky Top!"
Derek Jones on arriving on Rocky Top …
"I want to thank Coach Heupel and Coach Knowles for this opportunity. Being back in the SEC and having the opportunity to coach at a place like Tennessee is special. I am fired up to be a Vol and begin preparations for spring practice. I look forward to building bonds with our players and future Vols."
The Jones File Â
Hometown: Woodruff, S.C.
Education: Ole Miss, 1996 (public administration)Â
Playing Experience: Ole Miss - CB (1993-96)
Wife: Naketa
Daughters: Deundra, Madison, Brooklyn
Coaching History
1998: Ole Miss, Graduate Assistant – Football Ops/Recruiting Â
1999: Ole Miss, Graduate Assistant – Defense
2000-04: Murray State, Cornerbacks/Recruiting Coordinator
2005: Middle Tennessee, Defensive Backs Â
2006: Tulsa, Cornerbacks
2007: Memphis, Cornerbacks
2008-14: Duke, Defensive Backs/Assistant Special Teams Coordinator
2015-17: Duke, Cornerbacks/Assistant Special Teams Coordinator
2018-19: Duke, Associate Head Coach/Defensive Backs
2020-21: Texas Tech, Associate Head Coach/Co-Defensive Coordinator/Secondary
2022-25: Virginia Tech, Cornerbacks/Defensive Recruiting Coordinator
2026-present: Tennessee, Cornerbacks
Postseason Appearances as a Coach (12)
2025 Duke's Mayo Bowl – Virginia Tech
2023 Military Bowl – Virginia Tech
2021 Liberty Bowl – Texas Tech
2018 Independence Bowl – Duke
2017 Quick Lane Bowl – Duke
2015 Pinstripe Bowl – Duke
2014 Sun Bowl – Duke
2013 Chick-fil-A Bowl – Duke
2012 Belk Bowl – Duke
2007 New Orleans Bowl – Memphis
2006 Armed Forces Bowl – Tulsa
1999 Independence Bowl – Ole Miss
Jones owns 18 seasons of coaching cornerbacks at the Power Four level, including from 2022-25 with the Hokies where he also served as defensive recruiting coordinator. Jones mentored Dorian Strong, who earned All-ACC third team honors and All-America status in 2023. In 2024, Strong tallied two interceptions and six pass breakups, earning invites to the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine. He was selected in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills.
Jones helped the Hokies secure six of the top 25 prospects in the state of Virginia during the 2023 recruiting cycle and five of the top 25 in the state in the 2024 class. He coached Mansoor Delane from 2022-24. The former Freshman All-American earned third-team All-ACC honors in 2024 after ranking third in the conference in interceptions (4) and sixth in passes defended (11). Delane is a first round prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Prior to his time in Blacksburg, Jones served as the associate head coach and co-defensive coordinator at Texas Tech from 2020-21. In Lubbock, he tutored defensive backs Ja'Marcus Ingram and Dadrion Taylor-Demerson. Ingram signed an NFL contract in 2022 and is currently with the Houston Texans. Taylor-Demerson was a fourth round draft pick of the Arizona Cardinals in 2024.
Jones also mentored Red Raiders cornerback Demarcus Fields, who was named a second-team All-Big 12 selection in 2021 and was an honorable mention all-conference pick in 2020. Jones molded cornerback Zech McPhearson into a first-team All-Big 12 selection in 2020, becoming just the second Red Raiders' cornerback to earn that distinction since the program joined the Big 12 in 1996. McPhearson was selected in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles.
Fields led all Big 12 cornerbacks with 10 passes defensed in 2021 under Jones' tutelage, while cornerback Rayshad Williams ranked second with nine, making them the most productive tandem in the conference. Williams earned honorable mention All-Big 12 honors.
Jones reunites with Tennessee defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. The two coached together at Duke under former Vol offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe from 2010-17. Jones worked on Cutcliffe's staff for 12 seasons, including serving as associate head coach in 2018-19.
During Jones' tenure in Durham, the Blue Devils earned six bowl appearances and won the ACC Coastal Division in 2013 to reach the school's first-ever ACC Championship Game. Duke posted a 46-32 record from 2013-18, including a trio of bowl victories and a school-record 10 wins in 2013. Duke's appearance in the 2012 Belk Bowl marked the school's first bowl invite since 1995, while a victory in the 2015 Pinstripe Bowl marked the first bowl win for the Blue Devils since 1961.
During Jones' time with Knowles at Duke, five cornerbacks made active NFL rosters. Jones tutored Ross Cockrell, who twice earned first-team All-ACC first-team honors for the Blue Devils and was selected in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft by Buffalo. Cockrell was the first Blue Devil defensive back to be selected in the NFL Draft since 1996. Cockrell left Duke as the school's all-time leader in passes defended (54) and produced 12 interceptions during his collegiate career. Cornerback Mark Gilbert was also a first-team All-ACC selection at Duke under Jones' guidance.
He also coached cornerbacks Michael Carter II and Josh Blackwell at Duke, both of whom are still in the NFL. Carter was a 2021 NFL Draft fifth round pick by the New York Jets and now plays for the Eagles. Blackwell signed a free agent contract following his collegiate career and is currently with Chicago.
As assistant special teams coordinator for the Blue Devils, Jones helped wide receiver Jamison Crowder reach the NFL ranks after excelling on special teams. Crowder was a 2013 second-team All-America selection of the Football Writers of America Association, Phil Steele and Sports Illustrated. Crowder earned 2012 Second-Team All-America status as an all-purpose player by Lindy's. He was selected by Washington in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Cornerback DeVon Edwards earned second-team Walter Camp All-America honors as a return specialist in 2013 and returned six kickoffs for touchdowns during his collegiate career.
Jones has familiarity within the region. He coached cornerbacks at Memphis in 2007 and Middle Tennessee in 2005. He was the cornerbacks coach and recruiting coordinator at Murray State from 2000-04.
The Racers produced seven all-conference selections at cornerback during Jones' five seasons as Murray State. The program led the Ohio Valley Conference in pass defense (142.0 ypg) in 2003 and ranked 11th nationally in total defense (300.9 ypg) in 2004.
Jones also coached cornerbacks at Tulsa in 2006. He guided a unit that was tops in Conference USA in passes defended en route to an appearance in the 2006 Armed Forces Bowl. Cornerback Nick Graham earned all-conference honors under Jones' tutelage and was later signed as a free agent by Philadelphia. Â
Jones' coaching career began at Ole Miss, his alma mater, as a recruiting and operations graduate assistant in 1998 under Cutcliffe. He served as a defensive graduate assistant for the Rebels in 1999.
The Woodruff, South Carolina, native was a four-year letterwinner at Ole Miss as a cornerback from 1993-96. A two-time second-team All-SEC selection, he served as a team captain as a senior. He was also an All-SEC honoree as a sprinter on the track and field squad.
Jones graduated from Ole Miss in 1996 with a degree in public administration. After his time in Oxford, Jones played professionally in the Canadian Football League for the Toronto Argonauts and Edmonton Eskimos and in the Arena Football League for the Nashville Kats.
Jones is a published author after his book, Always Play to Win, hit the shelves in 2017. The book serves as a collection of inspirational quotes to help readers approach every day with a positive mindset. All proceeds from book sales and subsequent speaking engagements help provided financial support to college students from Jones' hometown.
Tennessee Head Coach Josh Heupel on Derek Jones …
"Derek understands what it takes to play cornerback at this level. He's coached and played SEC football and has a track record of developing cornerbacks for the NFL. He's also shown great ability as a recruiter in over two decades of coaching. He has familiarity with Coach Knowles and will make a seamless transition to our staff. We are excited to welcome Derek to Rocky Top!"
Derek Jones on arriving on Rocky Top …
"I want to thank Coach Heupel and Coach Knowles for this opportunity. Being back in the SEC and having the opportunity to coach at a place like Tennessee is special. I am fired up to be a Vol and begin preparations for spring practice. I look forward to building bonds with our players and future Vols."
The Jones File Â
Hometown: Woodruff, S.C.
Education: Ole Miss, 1996 (public administration)Â
Playing Experience: Ole Miss - CB (1993-96)
Wife: Naketa
Daughters: Deundra, Madison, Brooklyn
Coaching History
1998: Ole Miss, Graduate Assistant – Football Ops/Recruiting Â
1999: Ole Miss, Graduate Assistant – Defense
2000-04: Murray State, Cornerbacks/Recruiting Coordinator
2005: Middle Tennessee, Defensive Backs Â
2006: Tulsa, Cornerbacks
2007: Memphis, Cornerbacks
2008-14: Duke, Defensive Backs/Assistant Special Teams Coordinator
2015-17: Duke, Cornerbacks/Assistant Special Teams Coordinator
2018-19: Duke, Associate Head Coach/Defensive Backs
2020-21: Texas Tech, Associate Head Coach/Co-Defensive Coordinator/Secondary
2022-25: Virginia Tech, Cornerbacks/Defensive Recruiting Coordinator
2026-present: Tennessee, Cornerbacks
Postseason Appearances as a Coach (12)
2025 Duke's Mayo Bowl – Virginia Tech
2023 Military Bowl – Virginia Tech
2021 Liberty Bowl – Texas Tech
2018 Independence Bowl – Duke
2017 Quick Lane Bowl – Duke
2015 Pinstripe Bowl – Duke
2014 Sun Bowl – Duke
2013 Chick-fil-A Bowl – Duke
2012 Belk Bowl – Duke
2007 New Orleans Bowl – Memphis
2006 Armed Forces Bowl – Tulsa
1999 Independence Bowl – Ole Miss
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