Tennessee Shakes Up Coaching Ranks with Unexpectedly Lavish Extensions for Assistants Halzle and Pope

In a move that speaks volumes about Tennessee’s commitment to building on recent offensive success, Joey Halzle and Kelsey Pope have both locked in new contract extensions that come with hefty pay bumps. Halzle, who’s not just the offensive coordinator but also the man shaping the quarterback play, saw his salary jump from $850,000 to an eye-popping $1.45 million over a fresh two-year deal. That’s no surprise when you consider the Vols are blazing trails nationally—ranking fourth in total offense and leading the SEC in scoring, with quarterback Joey Aguilar topping the conference in passing yards. Meanwhile, Kelsey Pope’s elevation to passing game coordinator coincides with a well-earned raise, reflecting his role in cultivating one of the nation’s deadliest wide receiver groups—three Vols eclipsing 750 receiving yards, a feat unmatched anywhere else. These extensions, along with a handful of quieter contract renewals among Tennessee’s offensive staff, underscore a program that’s gearing up for sustained excellence. Curious about the finer details and what this means moving forward? LEARN MORE

Tennessee offensive coordinator Joey Halzle and wide receivers coach Kelsey Pope have signed contract extensions with significant pay raises.

Halzle, who also coaches quarterbacks, received a two-year extension that increases his pay from $850,000 to $1.45 million. The Vols rank No. 4 nationally in total offense (482 ypg) and lead the SEC in scoring (40.8 ppg) with the fourth highest average in school history. And quarterback Joey Aguilar led the SEC with 3,444 passing yards.

Pope received a two-year extension that increases his pay from $550,000 to $800,000 in 2026 and $850,000 in 2027. And he was promoted to passing game coordinator.

Pope has quickly become a coveted wide receivers coach. Tennessee was the only team in the nation to produce three receivers with more than 750 receiving yards, led by Chris Brazzell, the SEC’s leading receiver. And Pope has helped the Vols land premier receivers in recruiting like five-star prospects Mike Matthews and Tristen Keys and Braylon Staley, the 2025 SEC Freshman of the Year.

The new contracts for Halzle and Pope expire on Jan. 31, 2028.

Tennessee offensive assistants quietly got contract extensions

UT also provided Knox News with contracts that had not previously been released. They reveal that other members of Tennessee’s offensive coaching staff signed contract extensions in last winter and spring.

Offensive line coach Glen Elarbee signed a three-year extension through January 2028 with no raise. His pay remains $900,000 annually.

Tight ends coach Alec Abeln signed a two-year extension through January 2027. It increased his pay from $250,000 to $275,000 in 2025 and $375,000 in 2026.

Running backs coach De’Rail Sims signed a two-year extension through January 2027. His pay increased from $350,000 to $400,000 in 2025 and $425,000 in 2026.

In February, Evan Crabtree was promoted to special teams coordinator, and his contract was released at that time. His three-year deal pays him $225,000 in 2025; $250,000 in 2026; and $275,000 in 2027.

Contract updates for Tennessee assistants under new coordinator Jim Knowles

On Dec. 11, Tennessee hired defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. He signed a three-year deal that pays him $6.6 million plus bonuses. He will earn $2 million in the 2026 season, $2.2 million in the 2027 season and $2.4 million in the 2028 season. His contract expires on Jan. 31, 2029.

Knowles and coach Josh Heupel must determine which defensive assistants will return in the 2026 season. Just because they are under contract does not guarantee that they’ll remain at Tennessee.

Every position coach is signed through the 2026 season except veteran defensive line coach Rodney Garner. His deal, which pays $900,000, expires Jan. 31, 2026.

In February, linebackers coach William Inge signed a one-year extension through Jan. 31, 2027. It increased his pay from $720,000 to $795,000. Secondary coach Willie Martinez’s deal, which was previously released, pays him $540,000 through Jan. 31, 2027.

Strength and conditioning coach Kurt Schmidt is still on a deal that expires Jan. 31, 2026. It pays $475,000.

Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Email [email protected]. X, formerly known as Twitter@AdamSparks. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.

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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Tennessee football assistants Joey Halzle, Kelsey Pope get contract extensions