Skip to main content
Friday, October 30, 2026Oct 30

This story is free to read.

Tennessee Vols assistant Mark Elder hired by Eastern Kentucky

Tennessee tight ends coach/special teams coordinator Mark Elder watches wide receiver Von Pearson go through a drill during practice on April 2, 2014, in this file photo.
Tennessee tight ends coach/special teams coordinator Mark Elder watches wide receiver Von Pearson go through a drill during practice on April 2, 2014, in this file photo. Tennessee tight ends coach/special teams coordinator Mark Elder watches wide receiver Von Pearson go through a drill during practice on April 2, 2014, in this file photo.
photo University of Tennessee tight end Brendan Downs (85) misses a pass during practice, while tight ends coach/special teams coordinator Mark Elder watches, at Haslam Field on Friday.

KNOXVILLE — Tennessee has opening on its football coach staff.

Tight ends coach and special teams coordinator Mark Elder has been hired as the new head coach at Eastern Kentucky, the Football Championship Subdivision program announced early Tuesday afternoon.

Lexington-based television station WTVQ reported late Monday night that Elder would be hired.

“I’m excited, blessed and honored for the opportunity to lead one of the most tradition-rich programs in college football,” Elder said in Eastern Kentucky’s release announcing his hire.

“It didn’t take me long to realize that this is a special place. Lindsey (his wife) and I look forward to becoming a part of the Richmond community.