Among the additions to Jim Knowles 2026 defensive staff is College Football Hall of Famer, Super Bowl champion and former Penn State co-defensive coordinator, Anthony Poindexter.
Serving Tennessee in the same job title as well as a secondary coach, Poindexter made one thing clear to his new team upon first introductions.
“I can’t deal with softness, that's just part of who I am,” he told his new defense.
The former All-American at Virginia and 1999 NFL draft pick understands what it means to play with toughness and has stressed the importance of representing your program with pride.
“You [have] to be willing to throw your body on the line for the team you're playing for,” Poindexter said.
The upcoming Tennessee defense is a blend of experienced Vols and transfer players (several from PSU), who will compete tightly to start in their respective roles. With plenty of time to showcase talent and a right to earn a top spot on the depth chart for next season, new staff have made it clear that prior roles will have little effect on the 2026 year.
Under Knowles and Poindexter, nothing will be given. Positions in the depth chart will be determined by merit and on-field play.
“You earn your playing time. Just cause I know you or didn't know you, that [doesn't] affect playing time… its performance based. [There are] no favorites, everybody's got to earn their job,” Poindexter said.
Before joining Knowles in Knoxville this offseason, Poindexter spent one season at Penn State with the coach, where they formed a strong bond worth extending past Happy Valley.
“Knowles is a great leader of men,” said Poindexter.
In their lone season at Penn State together, the coaches did not achieve the success they had hoped for, but Poindexter remains hopeful in Knowles’ abilities and the new team he has put together for next season with Tennessee.
“Coach Knowles [is] a brilliant mind when it comes to defense. I was honored that he wanted me to come with him,” Poindexter said. “I just want to be around good people… the staff he's put together is excellent, so I'm excited to be here.”