Josh Conklin Could Be the Ideal Fit for Tennessee's Defensive Coordinator Position

Tennessee's defensive coordinator search is on Day 16, as Josh Heupel has lockdown a candidate. Names have bounced around over the last couple of days, with Ohio State linebackers coach Al Washington believed to be heading to Knoxville at one point, but that now appears unlikely.

Other names have surfaced around the job, including former Tennessee Volunteer Kacy Rodgers, who is now at Tampa Bay as a defensive line coach. Former Tennessee defensive coordinator John Jancek's interest has been noted, but his name has not picked up any traction.

Rodgers and Tennessee have at least talked, but there are questions about his desire to leave the NFL, leaving the question of who Tennessee could continue to target.

Josh Conklin, the current head coach at Wofford, is a name well worth mentioning.

Conklin, a former safeties coach at Tennessee, has led Wofford to back to Southern Conference Titles.  Before taking the job at Wofford, Conklin had successful stints as a defensive coordinator at the University of Pittsburgh and Florida International.

According to Conklin's bio:"Pitt featured one of the most productive pass rushes in the country. The Panthers ranked sixth nationally in sacks in 2016, averaging 3.31 per contest. Pitt compiled 111 sacks during his three seasons. In 2017, the Panthers ended the season with a 24-14 upset of undefeated and #2 ranked Miami. Pitt had four sacks in the game and held the Hurricanes to 45 rushing yards. Senior cornerback Avonte Maddox was recognized on the All-ACC third team, while junior linebacker Oluwaseun Idowu and junior safety Jordan Whitehead received Honorable Mention All-ACC honors. Conklin’s 2016 unit also boasted lofty national rankings in rush defense (16th, 119.6 yards per game) and defensive touchdowns (eighth, four TDs). The Panthers had a 43-42 win over eventual national champion Clemson in Death Valley to highlight an 8-5 season that culminated in the trip to the Pinstripe Bowl. In his first season as defensive coordinator, Pitt posted an 8-5 record and earned a berth in the Military Bowl."

Conklin was considered one of the best assistant coaches in the country before taking over at Pitt, as he was nominated for the Broyles Award in 2014, which annually recognizes the best assistant coaches in college football.

That season his unit ranked first nationally in fumble recoveries (19), second in defensive touchdowns (six), fourth in turnovers gained (33), eighth in turnover margin (plus-11 overall; 0.92 margin per game), and 35th in total defense (363.8 yards per game).

Conklin has been successful at every stop since leaving Tennessee after the 2012 season, in which he helped Byron Moore lead the SEC with 0.42 interceptions per game. Moore totaled eight during the season, which was good for eighth nationally. Despite only spending one season on Rocky Top, his understanding of the traditions, SEC recruiting world, ties to the state of Tennessee, track record as a developer, and youthful energy, would be an ideal complement to Josh Heupel's fast-flowing offense.