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Report: Role defined for new Tennessee assistant coach Charles Kelly
By Cody McClure
Published:
Former Florida State defensive coordinator Charles Kelly is set to join Jeremy Pruitt’s staff at Tennessee, and his role has reportedly been defined.
Kelly will coach the Volunteers’ safeties and special teams, according to a report from VolQuest, which is Tennessee’s Rivals site.
Kelly apparently spoke with Warchant.com — FSU’s Rivals site — on Wednesday after the Seminoles defeated Southern Miss 42-13 in the Independence Bowl.
He reportedly told Warchant.com that he has a new job opportunity lined up:
FSU defensive coordinator Charles Kelly told Warchant that he has a new job opportunity lined up and will announce it in next couple days. Wanted to finish job with FSU first.
— Warchant.com (@Warchant) December 27, 2017
Florida State is transitioning under its new head coach, Willie Taggart, and Kelly was unlikely to be retained as the ‘Noles DC. His relationship with Pruitt apparently made Knoxville an easy destination.
“Kelly has coached everything in Pruitt’s defense except inside linebackers which makes him a valuable piece to the staff,” the report stated. “Add in his wealth of knowledge and experience and he will play a key role for Pruitt as he transitions into being a first-time head coach.”
Cody McClure is an SEC Football Writer for Saturday Down South. He lives in Knoxville, Tennessee, where he also co-hosts a midday sports radio show for FOX Sports. Cody previously worked for Athlon Sports.
