Huge loss for vols and Big win for Jerry Mack, a highly regarded assistant coach for the Tennessee Vols, who is on the brink of landing a coaching job in the NFL.
Following his instrumental role in overseeing one of the SEC’s most potent rushing attacks within a predominantly pass-oriented offense, Jerry Mack, a native of the Volunteer State and a former head coach with a championship under his belt, is set to depart Rocky Top.
Sources informed FootballScoop that Mack, initially brought on board by Josh Heupel three years ago, is in the process of parting ways with the collegiate program to pursue an opportunity in the NFL.
According to insider information, Mack is currently in discussions with the Jacksonville Jaguars to finalize an agreement that would see him join the coaching staff led by head coach Doug Pederson and offensive coordinator Press Taylor.
While no formal agreement has been reached, sources in the know have indicated that things are progressing positively, and a finalized deal could be announced as early as Friday night, with Saturday being the latest possible timeframe.
Initial reports from Matt Zenitz of 247Sports highlighted Mack as a top target for the position.
Mack’s impact on the Tennessee offense was particularly pronounced during the 2023 season. Tasked with overseeing the running backs for a Vols offense that dominated the SEC in rushing and secured the No. 9 national ranking, Mack played a pivotal role in coaching Jaylen Wright to a thousand-yard season, despite Wright participating in only 12 of the team’s 14 games.
In the 2023 season, where Heupel’s passing game experienced an 83-yard per game decline, dropping to 243 ypg during the transition from Hendon Hooker to Joe Milton III, Mack’s influence on the running backs became even more crucial.
Under Mack’s guidance, the top three tailbacks for Tennessee last year, namely Wright, Dylan Sampson, and Jabar Small, collectively amassed over 2,000 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. Notably, Sampson, a recruit secured under Mack’s coaching in the 2022 class, has surpassed 1,000 career yards, averaging over 6 yards per carry.
Mack’s notable contributions in 2023 earned him the distinction of being named the 2023 SEC Running Backs Coach of the Year by Our Coaching Network.
Before joining the Tennessee program, Mack served as an offensive coordinator and associate head coach during a four-year tenure at Rice. His coaching career includes a successful stint as head coach at North Carolina Central, where he secured three MEAC championships in just four seasons.
A Memphis native with playing experience at Jackson State and Arkansas State, Mack’s coaching journey also involved stops at the University of Memphis, as well as gaining valuable experience in FCS and junior college settings.
