The man behind Tennessee's first shutout loss in over two decades is reportedly a serious candidate to become the Volunteers' next head coach.
ESPN's Mark Schlabach reported Tuesday that Georgia defensive coordinator Mel Tucker is getting a second interview with Tennessee athletic director Phillip Fulmer today.
Fulmer is in New York where the National Football Foundation's annual awards dinner is scheduled for tonight.
Tucker, 45, has Georgia's defense ranked sixth nationally in total defense. The No. 3 Bulldogs (12-1) made the College Football Playoff after defeating Auburn in the SEC Championship game.
Georgia ranks sixth in the country in total defense. The Bulldogs blanked Tennessee 41-0 at Neyland Stadium on Sept. 30. It was Tennessee's first shutout loss since 1994.
Tucker is in his second season directing the Bulldogs defense. The Ohio native and former Wisconsin defensive back is well-traveled, both as a college and NFL assistant. Tucker has been defensive coordinator of the Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars and Chicago Bears during his career.
He also served a five-game stint as the Jaguars interim head coach in 2011 after Jack Del Rio was fired. Tucker led the team to a 2-3 record in his five games. Tucker was on staff at Alabama in 2015.
Tucker has also coached at LSU and Ohio State during his career.
Contact David Cobb at dcobb@timesfreepress.com.