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Tee Martin is coming home. According to multiple media reports, the former Vols football star is returning to Knoxville where he will be joining head coach Jeremy Pruitt’s coaching staff. Martin previously led Tennessee to a national championship when he served as the team’s quarterback.
Martin most recently served as the offensive coordinator of the USC Trojans.
According to ESPN, Martin was also offered roles at Alabama, Auburn, Louisville, Maryland, and Vanderbilt.
Martin was replaced at USC when the Trojans hired former Texas Tech head coach Kliff Kingsbury. Kingsbury, however, ended up leaving the Trojans after a matter of weeks to take over as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals.
Martin was stripped of play-calling duties earlier in the season.
“I felt it was an appropriate time to become more involved in the offense as we continue to develop our team for the future,” USC head coach Clay Helton said about his decision, via AL.com.
“Tee and I have had conversations about this decision and he was supportive. He has done a tremendous job here. He will stay involved with the offense as he remains the offensive coordinator, helps put together our practice and game plans and serves as my offensive eyes during games. “I want to thank Neil for all his hard work at USC. He is an outstanding coach and a great friend. I wish him nothing but the best in the future.”
In 2017, Martin was considered one of the top assistants and recruiters in college football, being named a semifinalist for the Broyles Award.
The 40-year-old Martin was with USC since 2012, when he coached the wide receivers. He then picked up responsibility as the Trojans passing game coordinator and ultimately took over the offense. As a player, Martin led the Vols to two SEC championships and the 1998 BCS National Championship.
Throughout his career with the Vols, Martin threw for 4,592 yards, 32 touchdowns and 16 interceptions.
