Rank’Em: Head coaches throughout the history of the Tennessee vols

Ranking the greatest head coaches in the history of the Tennessee Volunteers football program is a challenging task given the storied history of the team. From national championships to coaching legends, Tennessee has had its fair share of standout leaders on the sideline. This ranking will include coaches who have had the greatest impact on the program, taking into account their win-loss records, championships, and overall legacy.

1. Robert Neyland (1926–1934, 1936–1940)

When it comes to Tennessee football, no coach looms larger than Robert Neyland. His influence on the program is unmatched, and his success on the field sets the standard. Neyland’s career at Tennessee is one of the most iconic in college football history. He coached the Volunteers during two separate stints, from 1926 to 1934 and again from 1936 to 1940. During his time, he won four national championships (1938, 1940, 1944, and 1945), with an impressive 173-31-12 record, making him one of the winningest coaches in Tennessee history.

Neyland is perhaps best known for his “Neyland’s 5 Points of Emphasis,” which laid the foundation for Tennessee football’s style of play: “The team that makes the fewest mistakes will win.” His philosophy focused on discipline, fundamental football, and overall consistency. Neyland is also credited with creating the Vols’ traditional power-running game, which has become a hallmark of the program.

2. Phillip Fulmer (1992–2008)

Another name that immediately comes to mind in discussions about Tennessee football is Phillip Fulmer. Serving as the Vols’ head coach for 17 seasons, Fulmer led the team to significant success during the 1990s and 2000s. Under his leadership, Tennessee won two SEC championships (1997, 1998) and the ultimate prize: the 1998 National Championship. Fulmer’s tenure included multiple double-digit win seasons and an overall 152-52 record.

Fulmer had a unique ability to recruit top-tier talent, especially in the state of Tennessee, and that translated into sustained success. His recruiting prowess helped fuel the program’s success in the late ’90s, and his leadership style emphasized discipline, teamwork, and toughness. In addition to the national title, Fulmer’s teams won the 1999 Fiesta Bowl and captured numerous other bowl victories, making him the second-most successful coach in Tennessee history in terms of longevity and on-field success.

3. General Robert Neyland (1926-1934, 1936-1940)

While we’ve already discussed Neyland’s remarkable coaching career, it’s important to highlight his historical legacy in even more detail. Neyland served two separate terms at the helm of Tennessee football, and each stretch saw monumental success. From 1926 to 1934, his first tenure established Tennessee as a true national power. He brought a high level of success to the program, including multiple bowl appearances.

After a brief break from coaching, he returned in 1936 and continued to make history. His teams were known for their disciplined approach, and he turned out one of the most successful periods in Tennessee football history. His four national championships remain the hallmark of his success. Even more than championships, Neyland’s leadership and innovation helped solidify Tennessee’s identity as a powerful football program.

4. Johnny Majors (1977–1991)

Johnny Majors was instrumental in bringing Tennessee back into national prominence in the 1980s. Although he never captured a national championship, his teams were consistently competitive and well-coached. Majors took over a program in disarray in 1977 and turned it around quickly. Under his leadership, Tennessee won the 1985 SEC championship and played in multiple major bowl games.

Majors was known for revitalizing the Vols’ offense and making Tennessee a force in the SEC once again. His success in recruiting helped build a foundation for future success, and his tenure gave way to the rise of future stars like Reggie White, Dale Carter, and Chuck Webb. His fiery and passionate leadership style resonated with the players, and though he had his ups and downs, he remains an iconic figure in Tennessee’s football history.

5. Butch Jones (2013–2017)

Butch Jones’ tenure at Tennessee is one of the more polarizing in recent history. On the one hand, Jones helped the Volunteers return to national relevance after several years of mediocrity. He inherited a program in need of rebuilding, and in his first few years, he led Tennessee to significant progress, improving the team’s talent level and culture. He also recruited high-profile players, including QB Josh Dobbs and defensive lineman Derek Barnett.

In 2015, Jones guided Tennessee to its first top-10 finish in the polls in over a decade, with an 8-4 record and a win in the Citrus Bowl. That year’s team boasted a potent offense and solid defense, helping the program reclaim some respectability. Despite this success, Jones never quite reached the heights that Tennessee fans had hoped for. His inability to win consistently against top-tier opponents or win a division title hurt his overall legacy. Still, his impact on the program’s revival and his ability to recruit in a difficult era were significant.

6. Doug Dickey (1964–1969)

Doug Dickey’s tenure at Tennessee was brief, but it made an undeniable impact. He took over a Tennessee program that had been in decline and helped steer it back toward success. After being hired in 1964, Dickey’s teams improved significantly over the years, including a notable 1965 Sugar Bowl appearance, and he recruited future stars like quarterback Dewey Warren.

Dickey led the Volunteers to the 1967 SEC championship and brought a more aggressive, fast-paced style of football to Tennessee. While Dickey only spent five seasons in Knoxville, he laid the groundwork for the program’s success in the decades that followed. His success helped create a foundation for future Tennessee coaches to build on.

7. Bill Battle (1970–1976)

Bill Battle served as head coach of the Volunteers from 1970 to 1976 and enjoyed solid success during his tenure. Though he didn’t win any SEC championships, Battle did take Tennessee to five bowl games, winning four of them. His 1971 team went 11-1 and finished ranked No. 2 in the nation.

Battle had a disciplined approach and recruited talented players to help restore Tennessee’s reputation as a competitive force in the SEC. His tenure helped solidify the Volunteer program’s future, and though his departure was somewhat contentious, his contributions to the program are respected. His impact can be seen in the talent pool that came to the school under his watch.

8. Jim McDonald (1915–1920)

While Jim McDonald was not as successful as some of the others on this list, he deserves credit for laying the groundwork for Tennessee’s football program. As the team’s head coach from 1915 to 1920, McDonald took over a team that had struggled to find its identity. Though his win-loss record wasn’t extraordinary, he helped make the program more competitive and established Tennessee’s football identity. His efforts, though not as prominent as others, contributed to the eventual rise of Tennessee to the football powerhouse it would become.

Tennessee’s football program has experienced tremendous success throughout its history, and the coaches listed above have all played significant roles in shaping the legacy of the Volunteers. From Neyland’s dominance in the early years to Fulmer’s championships in the late 90s, the legacy of Tennessee’s head coaches is rich with history. Each of these coaches brought something unique to the program, whether it be championships, innovation, or leadership. While the list may vary based on personal opinions and criteria, there’s no doubt that Tennessee football would not be what it is today without the contributions of these great coaches.