Much to the chagrin of some Tennessee fans, the speculation has come to fruition.
As the rumblings had grown over the past 24 hours or so, UT confirmed Friday morning that Mike DeBord has been hire as Butch Jones’ offensive coordinator. In addition to his coordinating duties, DeBord will also carry the title of quarterbacks coach.
DeBord, who spent the past two years as a University of Michigan Olympic sports administrator, replaces Mike Bajakian, who left last month to become the quarterbacks coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
“We are very excited to welcome Mike DeBord and his family into the Tennessee family,” Jones said in a statement. “Mike is a tireless worker and innovator with a proven track record of success as both an offensive coordinator and as a developer of quarterbacks at a high level. He has demonstrated meticulous attention to the small details, and he is a great fit with our staff, players, and the entire Tennessee football organization.”
DeBord has been out of the coaching game since serving as the tight ends coach of the Chicago Bears in 2012, although his name was mentioned in connection to the UT opening last week. Jones and DeBord have a previous working relationship, with the former serving on the latter’s coaching staff at Central Michigan in 2000-03.
DeBord last served as a coordinator from 2006-07 at Michigan. His only other stint as an OC at the FBS level came with the Wolverines again, from 1997-99. The only time he carried the title of quarterbacks coach came at Fort Hays State from 1985-86.
In what’s perhaps an attempt to somewhat stem the expected criticism of the hire, the school also included a quote from Super Bowl-winning quarterback Tom Brady in its release.
“The University of Tennessee has hired a great offensive coordinator in Mike DeBord,” the former Wolverine quarterback said. “Mike was my offensive coordinator in college and helped me develop as a quarterback. He has great knowledge in offensive football and quarterback development, and he will do an outstanding job at Tennessee.”
In addition to Brady, there were quotes attributed to Mike Holmgren, Brian Griese, Matt Hasslebeck, Adam Gase and Steve Hutchinson.
UPDATED 2:18 p.m. ET: In addition to DeBord’s hiring, UT also announced that wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni has been given the additional title of passing game coordinator and running backs coach Robert Gillespie added the title of recruiting coordinator.