Report: Charles Kelly offered defensive coordinator role at Maryland, turns it down to stay at Tennessee

Thursday morning update:

Football Scoop now reports that Kelly has turned Maryland down to remain at Tennessee.

Source tells FootballScoop Maryland’s search is moving on as Charles Kelly has decided to remain with the Vols.

Original post Wednesday night

With one too many on the field coaches now on staff after the reported addition of Tee Martin, Jeremy Pruitt’s staff will have to get that number from eleven to ten. According to a report from Football Scoop, Maryland might take care of that numbers issue for Jeremy Pruitt.

Football Scoop reports that Mike Locksley has offered Maryland’s defensive coordinator job to Tennessee safeties coach and special teams coordinator Charles Kelly. They also report that Kelly is expected to accept the position.

Kelly was hired by Jeremy Pruitt last season after spending four years as Florida State’s defensive coordinator previously. If Kelly does depart, Jeremy Pruitt would likely take on more responsibility in the secondary, which has always been his specialty.

Tee Martin reportedly hit the road for Tennessee on the recruiting trail on Wednesday, though his position has yet to be officially announced. It’s been rumored that Auburn is interested in David Johnson, who is currently the receivers coach at Tennessee. If Johnson does leave, Martin would have a natural fit as the receivers coach on staff.

Tyson Helton coached the quarterbacks last year in addition to his role as the offensive coordinator. New offensive coordinator Jim Chaney is an option to fill the quarterbacks coach position, but that role could fit Martin as well if Johnson remains on staff.

One thing we know for sure — there will be some minor shuffling on this staff. We should have some clarity in the coming days.