Memphis hires Marshall's Jordon Hankins as linebackers coach

Evan Barnes
Memphis Commercial Appeal

Memphis football has found its next linebackers coach as the Tigers announced Thursday they've hired Marshall linebackers coach/special teams coordinator Jordon Hankins.

Hankins spent one season at Marshall following 10 seasons coaching at UT Martin in various capacities. He replaces Bert Watts who was hired by Auburn last week.

"(Jordon) is a tremendous teacher and will do a great job with that unit," Memphis coach Ryan Silverfield said in a school release. "Jordon is a respected coach and will be a great asset to our staff. He has deep ties to the state of Tennessee, and we look forward to having him and his family here with us.”

Last season, Marshall ranked second nationally in total defense and fourth in rushing defense. The Thundering Herd ranked as high as No. 15 in the country and won the C-USA East Division title before losing to UAB in the conference championship game.

Hankins oversaw two All-C-USA first team selections in linebacker Tavante Beckett and punt returner Talik Keaton. Linebacker Eli Neal was named honorable mention.

From 2017-19, Hankins was defensive coordinator at UT Martin, where he played linebacker from 2001-03. In 2019, UT Martin led the Ohio Valley Conference in scoring defense, pass defense efficiency, red zone defense, sacks and turnover margin, among other categories.

Hankins is from Hohenwald and was a football standout at Lewis County High School. He rushed for more than 1,000 yards his senior year and was named a 1998 Mr. Football Finalist.

Memphis hires Jordon Hankins as its next linebackers coach. Hankins coached linebackers and special teams at Marshall last season

“As Tennessee natives, this is a homecoming for my family," Hankins said. "I can’t wait to get started and plan to do all I can to help the Tiger program continue its tradition of excellence.”

Hankins will be the Tigers' fourth new linebackers coach in as many seasons. The Tigers had Dan Lanning and Joe Lorig coach inside and outside linebackers, respectively, in 2017 before Lanning was hired at Georgia.

Scott Symons coached inside linebackers in 2018 and Kevin Klune took over in 2019. 

Hankins' hire completes Silverfield's staff.

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You can reach Evan Barnes on Twitter (@Evan_B) or by email at evan.barnes@commercialappeal.com