Jones seeking receiver coach as Azzanni heads to the NFL

Tennessee head coach Butch Jones is once again in the market for an assistant coach. Multiple sources have confirmed to Volquest.com that wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator Zach Azzanni has accepted the vacant wide receiver position with the Chicago Bears.

Azzanni came to Tennessee with Jones four years ago after stints at Florida, Western Kentucky and Wisconsin. During his tenure as the wideouts coach and passing game coordinator, the Vols passing game grew every year. In 2016, the Vol offense was the most explosive under Jones as the passing game averaged 13 yards a catch. The leading receiver was junior Josh Malone who had 972 yards and 11 touchdowns in averaging 19.4 yards per reception.

Azzanni is most noted for recruiting and coaching current NFL All-Pro receiver Antonio Brown.

Azzanni is the fifth departure from Jones' staff this off-season. Jones parted ways with secondary coach Willie Martinez, who landed at Cincinnati, offensive line coach Don Mahoney, and defensive line coach Steve Stripling who was reassigned in the program off the field. Offensive coordinator Mike DeBord, was scheduled to retire, before Indiana offered DeBord the opportunity to call plays closer to his family.