The CheckerBoard

Just got this release from UT.

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KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — University of Tennessee head coach Butch Jones announced the composition of the 2013 Vols assistant coaching staff. The Vols' coaching staff has coached and played in a combined 94 bowl games, including 13 bowls that are part of the Bowl Championship Series, as well as four NFL Playoff games and a Super Bowl. The coaches have helped guide their teams to 38 conference championships and three national championships.

"I am very excited about the staff we have been able to attract here to the University of Tennessee," said Jones, who was hired on Dec. 7. "I said at my press conference that it would start with effective communicators, great teachers and individuals that could be become role models to our players. This staff features individuals are that fundamentalists in their techniques of the game and great recruiters who have a passion to be at Tennessee. We have been able to assemble a championship staff. When you look at the experience of these coaches over their careers, there is a great amount of continuity and familiarity.

"Our staff is comprised of teachers and mentors from all levels of football that have been successful and know what it takes to win championships. I have done my due diligence to compose what I feel is one of the best coaching staffs in the country, and I know everyone associated with Tennessee football will be proud of this staff. I know each of them is looking forward to representing the orange and being a part of Tennessee football."

Current running backs coach Jay Graham will continue on the Volunteers staff, with the remainder of the 2012 staff members not retained. The wide receivers coaching position remains to be determined.

Mike Bajakian will serve as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, with John Jancek serving as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. Steve Stripling will be the Vols' assistant head coach and work with the defensive line.

Joining Bajakian and Graham on the offensive side of the ball will be offensive line coach Don Mahoney and tight ends coach Mark Elder, who will also serve as special teams coordinator.

Along with Stripling and Jancek on the defensive side of the ball will be Willie Martinez, who will coach safeties and Tommy Thigpen, who will coach cornerbacks.

Additionally, Dave Lawson will be joining the Tennessee staff as the Director of Football Strength and Conditioning.

2013 UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSSEE FOOTBALL COACHING STAFF

Butch Jones, Head Coach
Mike Bajakian, Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks
John Jancek, Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers
Mark Elder, Tight Ends
Jay Graham, Running Backs
Don Mahoney, Offensive Line
Willie Martinez, Safeties
Steve Stripling, Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Line
Tommy Thigpen, Cornerbacks
TBA, Wide Receivers
Dave Lawson, Director of Football Strength and Conditioning