Vols Offensive Coordinator leaves Tennessee for other coaching opportunities
Tennessee offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian is leaving the Vols to “pursue other coaching opportunities.” The news was originally reported by Bruce Feldman of FOX Sports, who cited multiple sources Thursday morning.
Tennessee offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian is leaving the Vols to “pursue other coaching opportunities.” The news was originally reported by Bruce Feldman of FOX Sports, who cited multiple sources Thursday morning.
Sports Illustrated writer Thayer Evans reported that Bajakian is headed to Tampa Bay to coach the Buccaneers’ quarterbacks.
Bajakian had been working alongside Butch Jones since his days at Central Michigan. He served as Jones’ offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Central Michigan and held the same positions at Cincinnati and Tennessee.
Before joining Jones’ staff, Bajakian spent time with the Chicago Bears as offensive quality control/wide receivers coach.
While at Tennessee, Bajakian’s offenses ranked near the bottom of the FBS. In 2014, Tennessee ranked No. 83 nationally in total offense, while in 2013, they ranked No. 106.
In November, the offense began improving dramatically as quarterback Josh Dobbs emerged. Dobbs led the Vols to 645 yards of offense against South Carolina. In their next game, Tennessee racked up 50 points against Kentucky.
Under Bajakian’s play-calling and Dobbs’ execution, Tennessee finished 4-1 down the stretch and won their first bowl game since 2007, finishing 7-6 overall.
Bajakian has coached in seven other bowl games and helped guide six conference championships in his coaching career.
Edited by Maggie Jones
Sports Editor, Cody McClure, has been with TNJN since January 2014. He is passionate about SEC football and basketball. To him, there's nothing better in life than game day in Neyland Stadium. Cody covers the SEC for Athlon Sports. Additionally, he co-hosts Rock Solid Sports for WUTK 90.3 FM on Fridays from 7-8 p.m. ET. Cody is also interning at Sports Radio WNML working under Jimmy Hyams. In his spare time, he plays golf, travels the country, and plays guitar, badly. Follow him on Twitter @CodyMcClureCFB.
