Tennessee has reportedly expressed interested in New York Jets defensive coordinator to fill its head coaching vacancy, according to Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News.
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Rodgers has yet to express interest in the job, according to the report.
The defensive coordinator was a four-year letterman linebacker and defensive end for the Vols from 1988-91. He was also honorable mention All-SEC and played on two SEC championship teams.
Rodgers began his coaching career in 1994 as a defensive line coach with Tennessee-Martin and served as an assistant for several southeastern colleges before joining the Dallas Cowboys as a defensive tackles coach in 2003.
He was promoted to defensive line coach in 2005 and held the same position when he joined the Miami Dolphins staff in 2008. Rodgers joined the Jets as a defensive coordinator in 2015 as a member of head coach Todd Bowles' staff.
New York currently ranks 21st among NFL teams in total defense (346.9 yards allowed per game) and 16th in scoring defense (22.2 points allowed per game).
Tennessee announced former coach Butch Jones' termination on Sunday after five seasons and a 34-27 (14-24 SEC) record with the program. He led Tennessee to bowl games victories during the last three seasons, but entered the 2017 season on the hot seat after failing to meet last year's preseason expectations of winning the SEC East.
However, he never managed to help his case during a tumultuous 2017 season. With Saturday's loss to Missouri, the Vols are currently on a losing streak against every conference opponent.
It's worth noting that the Jets are on a bye week, so Rodgers would likely be able to interview for the position if he reciprocates interest.
