KNOXVILLE — One of the best pass rushers in University of Tennessee history is eager to pay that knowledge forward to the current Volunteers.
And Chuck Smith could be on the verge of getting that opportunity.
Smith, a former college star and NFL Pro Bowler, has emerged as a serious candidate to coach his alma mater’s defensive line. He wants the job and has stated that, but whether he’ll get the job remains a mystery.
New York Jets coach Rex Ryan on Monday included Smith’s name in a list of five assistants who won’t return next season. Ryan specifically mentioned the Volunteers as his former consultant’s destination, but no one in Knoxville confirmed the hiring.
Several UT officials denied that an official hire had been made. One spokesperson claimed to speak directly with new Vols head coach Derek Dooley, who issued a statement to the Times Free Press saying he hadn’t hired any assistants Monday.
A 40-year-old native of Athens, Ga., Smith eased into coaching after retiring from the NFL in 2001. He spent most of his pro career with the Atlanta Falcons, and his 58.5 sacks stand as the franchise record.
Smith and Dooley were teammates at Clarke Central High School and have kept in touch through the years, which helped spawn the speculation that Smith would rejoin Dooley in Knoxville.
Ryan told the Atlanta Journal Constitution in December that Smith was a “tremendous pass rush specialist (who is) going to be a tremendous defensive line coach in his own right down the road.”
“All of the veterans respect him, and he’s just such a passionate person,” Ryan added. “He’s really a master at the art of rushing the passer. I think we’re very fortunate to have him with us.”
Ryan told the AJC that Smith’s role with the Jets was to “get after it.”
“If he doesn’t get in a fight before the game, that’s a bonus,” Ryan added. “Just kidding. But he’s so intense.”
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