Vols DC Derrick Ansley Linked to Oregon Job

Vols DC Derrick Ansley Linked to Oregon Job

Derrick Ansley's second season at Tennessee did not go as well as the first season in 2019, where the unit posted some of its best marks in a decade. In fact, Ansley's unit struggled mightily across the board at times, but he is still widely regarded as one of the best, young defensive minds in the country.

Ansley has now been linked to an opening on the Oregon staff as the defensive coordinator, according to Bruce Feldman.

#Oregon D-Coordinator search is heating up: #Seahawks asst HC Clint Hurtt; ex-Texas DC Chris Ash; #Vols DC Derrick Ansley; #Falcons run game coordinator Tosh Lupoi; #MissSt DC Zach Arnett; #UGA co-DC Glenn Schumann; #Army DC Nate Woody, are among those are in the mix, per source.

— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) January 15, 2021

Ansley, much like Oregon Head Coach Mario Cristobal is a Nick Saban disciple, so that could help his cause in the race. We were informed following the season that Ansley was open to making a move, and that he would at least listen, but nothing was set in stone, and that chatter seemingly died down.

Lupoi also has the same connection to Cristobal, and he has extensive ties to the west coast as a recruiter, which will boost his chances in the race.

Schumann has emerged as the favorite to be the defensive coordinator at Texas, which thins the field down.

If Jeremy Pruitt returns in 2021, he could have to make upwards of four hires if Ansley was to depart, and given the fact that the coaching carousel has been in motion for a while, this could prove tricky for him. We will continue to provide updates on Ansley as they become available. It is worth noting that Ansley is currently in California with Henry To'o To'o and Jeremy Pruitt.