Justin Wilcox said to stay on Tennessee staff

Saturday, January 1, 2011

KNOXVILLE - Defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox told several people in the University of Tennessee football program Thursday night and Friday morning that he planned to stay with the Volunteers, and not take a similar position at the University of Texas.

Wilcox, who came to Tennessee after a successful stint at Boise State, never admitted getting an offer from Longhorns head coach Mack Brown, but multiple sources close to both programs said Wilcox was one the top targets on Texas's wish list.

Tennessee's defense showed consistent improvement under Wilcox, allowing just 27 points in the second half of its final five games.

Wilcox hasn't met with the media since Dec. 22, when he said his "sole focus" was on preparing his defense for its Music City Bowl matchup with North Carolina.

"I have a great job at Tennessee," Wilcox said that day. "I have not been offered any other jobs. I'm not in discussions about any other jobs. I believe 100 percent in what we're doing here at Tennessee. I back Coach [Derek] Dooley 100 percent in where this program is going.

"My sole focus, 100 percent, along with all the other coaches, is getting ready for North Carolina. That's what I've spent my time doing, and will continue to spend my time doing.