UTC defensive line coach heading to Furman

Jimmy Lindsey, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga's defensive line coach the past two seasons, has accepted a job coaching the same position at Furman.

Lindsey, a former UTC linebacker, said he didn't like the idea of going to another Southern Conference program, but the opportunity was too good for him to turn down.

"There's a lot of mixed emotions because you feel like you put some time in in your two years here in this program," he said. "It's a funny feeling. ... I wish this place the best and I am where I am today because of it."

The Mocs also lost offensive line coach Geep Wade to Marshall this week. UTC coach Russ Huesman said coaches coming and going is just part of the business.

"It happens throughout the country," he said. "Derek Dooley had to hire six or seven [at Tennessee], so it happens. People make decisions based on what's best for them and Jimmy made that decision.

"We didn't lose anybody last year, so now it's probably catching up to us."

Lindsey said facing off against UTC when the Mocs visit Furman on Oct. 13 will likely be a little strange.

"The thing you've got to remember, though, is that it's not about me," he said. "It's not about what staff I'm on, it's about Chattanooga and Furman. But it will be different, definitely."

The Mocs have three vacancies on their staff: offensive line coach, running backs coach and a defensive assistant. Wade was also the recruiting coordinator, so that's another role that will have to be filled.

Huesman said Marcus West, who was coaching defensive ends, will take over the entire defensive line. Huesman said the defensive assistant he hires will help coach the linebackers or defensive backs.

"Marcus is excellent, he's one of the better coaches on our staff," Huesman said. "He deserves this kind of recognition."

Huesman has been coaching the safeties, but he said he thought a change might be needed in order for the safeties to build closer relationships with their position coach. Players at other positions "pop in and out" of their coach's office all the time, he said, but that's harder to do with the head coach.

Huesman said a couple of interviews for the offensive line position have already been lined up for next week.

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