Report: Joe Osovet moving to tight ends coach, Brian Niedermeyer shifting to inside linebackers

Jeremy Pruitt has mentioned in the past that Brian Niedermeyer could coach anywhere on the field. According to a report from VolQuest, that statement will be put to the test.

The report states that Niedermeyer will move to the defensive side of the ball, coaching the inside linebackers in 2020. Joe Osovet, who had been a member of the Tennessee support staff for two seasons, will move to an on-field role, taking over the tight end position.

The move corresponds with inside linebackers and special teams coach Kevin Sherrer moving on to the New York Giants last weekend.

Niedermeyer is perhaps Tennessee’s most accomplished recruiter, helping land Henry To’o To’o, Darnell Wright and Quavaris Crouch during the 2019 cycle. Osovet came from the JUCO ranks in 2018 and has assisted with recruiting efforts in the northeast. He’s been on the road recruiting for the Vols over the last two weeks.

This should be the final shift for Jeremy Pruitt’s 2020 staff. David Johnson left an opening on the offensive side after taking a role with Florida State in early January. Pruitt hired former Tennessee running back Jay Graham to fill his spot at running backs coach, wrestling him away from Jimbo Fisher and Texas A&M.

Current 2020 Coaching Staff

HC: Jeremy Pruitt

OC: Jim Chaney

QB: Chris Weinke

RB: Jay Graham

WR: Tee Martin

TE: Joe Osovet

OL: Will Friend

DC/DBs: Derrick Ansley

DL: Tracy Rocker

ILB: Brian Niedermeyer

DC/OLB: Chris Rumph