Report: Former Florida State Defensive Coordinator Charles Kelly could join Tennessee’s staff

It appears to be a good bet that Charles Kelly will end up with Tennessee in some capacity, according to a report from VolQuest.com. Kelly was released from his position of defensive coordinator at Florida State yesterday after the Seminoles’ win in the Independence Bowl over Southern Miss.

Kelly told reporters after the game that he “has new opportunities lined up” and will announce in the next few days.

Tennessee has yet to officially announce the hirings of Jeremy Pruitt’s assistants, but Kevin Sherrer (DC), Chris Rumph (OLB), Tracy Rocker (DL) and Terry Fair (DB) have all been added to the defensive staff and have been on the trail recruiting for the Vols.

What does that leave open for Kelly? According to VolQuest, it could mean a special teams job with some defensive responsibilities.

Sources also tell Volquest that Kelly will be in charge of special teams on Rocky Top, with one source giving Kelly some defensive responsibilities as well.

Kelly was an assistant at Florida State while Pruitt was on staff as the defensive coordinator during the 2013 national title season. He coached the special teams and linebackers, before taking over the defense after Pruitt left.

It sounds like you could see Kelly take a similar role to his 2013 gig in Knoxville.