VFL Robert Ayers Jr. Aiding Tennessee’s Resurgence On The Gridiron
Forest Jersey
As Tennessee football continues its resurgence under head coach Josh Heupel, a sense of pride has returned to Rocky Top. Proudest are the VFLs who were molded by the program in their heyday, witnessing their alma mater reestablish itself to prominence among the nation’s elite programs.
For former Vols like Robert Ayers Jr., this revival holds special significance. Now in his second year on Heupel’s staff as a defensive analyst, Ayers’ return to Tennessee is a full-circle moment—a chance to give back to the program that helped shape him, mentor the next generation of players, and be part of the Vols' continued ascent.
After a decade-long career in the NFL, Ayers, who had risen to become one of the league’s most feared pass rushers, knew that his next chapter would involve mentoring the next generation of defensive linemen. But rather than jumping straight into a full-time coaching role, Ayers made a deliberate choice: he would start his coaching career by learning from some of the best in the business.
Ayers describes his current role as the ‘right-hand man’ to defensive line coach Rodney Garner, a man he has long admired. With a wealth of professional experience under his belt, Ayers helps implement pass rush schemes, install run fits and offer new perspectives from his unique vantage point as a former NFL veteran.
I just want to be the best I can be. I know I have a lot to learn, but I’m also here to help Coach Garner in any way I can. Whether it’s presenting a new idea, working with the players, or just being a mentor—whatever the team needs, that’s my job.Robert Ayers Jr.
The Road to Coaching
Ayers’ path to coaching was not one that followed a traditional trajectory. Like many NFL players, his thoughts on life after football began to take shape as his career wound down. But for Ayers, it wasn’t a sudden revelation—it was something that evolved over time. Even during his playing days, he found himself naturally gravitating toward mentorship.
“One of the things I really enjoyed in the NFL was helping the younger guys,” Ayers recalled. “I remember taking Malik Jackson under my wing early on in his career. We had a similar playing style, and I made sure he understood how to carry himself as a professional. You start to see the impact you can have on someone’s career, and that sticks with you.”
As his career advanced, Ayers began to take on a more vocal leadership role in the locker room. He became a defensive cornerstone for teams like the New York Giants and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, playing key roles in several high-profile defenses. But with age came an increased desire to help others.
“I never looked at it as me being a coach, I just looked at it as being a mentor and helping the young guys,” Ayers said. “I started feeling drawn to coaching, to sharing everything I had learned—especially helping young players and guiding them through similar struggles and challenges I had faced.”
After retiring from the NFL in 2018, Ayers took a year off to recharge and spend time with his family, but the pull of football never faded. He had offers to join smaller schools as a full-time position coach, but wanted to take a more measured approach to his coaching career. He knew the importance of learning from others before stepping into a big role himself.
That’s where Knoxville came into play.
Starting at the Ground Level
Ayers’ return to Knoxville was far from a coincidence. He had deep ties to the community and the Vols program. As a former player who had been drafted in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft, Ayers had earned the respect of both the Tennessee faithful and those in the football world at large.
Through a connection of former Tennessee teammate Chris Brown, Ayers found an opportunity to begin his coaching career as the defensive line coach at Knoxville Catholic High School in 2020. This would be his first step into the world of coaching—learning the ropes while staying close to the game he loved. He was elevated to defensive coordinator at Knox Catholic in 2021 before taking the defensive coordinator job at Oak Ridge High School for the 2022 season. Ayers excelled and was named 2022 Tennessee Class 5A Region 3 Assistant Coach of the Year.
All the while, Ayers kept in contact with members of the current Tennessee coaching staff while honing his craft. His commitment caught the eye of Vols defensive coordinator Tim Banks and defensive line coach Rodney Garner, who called Ayers with an opportunity to join the Tennessee staff in the spring of 2023.
“When it came to starting my coaching journey, I felt there was no better place than Knoxville,” Ayers recalled. “A place where I knew I had connections and could reach out to people, get in front of people, present myself and try to catch someone’s attention. I would visit practice and be intentional about getting to know the staff. That was my vision, and it’s worked out so far.”
Couldn’t have dreamed of a better staff to begin my college coaching career with… ??
— Robert E. Ayers Jr (@RobertAyersJr) April 16, 2023
Learning From ‘Uncle G’
Rodney Garner, Tennessee’s defensive line coach, is widely regarded as one of the best in the business, and Ayers knew that working under him would be an invaluable opportunity. For Ayers, Coach Garner—often referred to as “Uncle G”—is more than just a mentor; he is a figure of reverence, a model for how to coach with authority and compassion.
“I look up to Coach Garner,” Ayers said. “He’s like family to me. He reminds me a lot of my father in the way he carries himself and the way he interacts with people. There’s so much wisdom there, and I’m just soaking it all in … I want people to speak about me like they speak about him—like he’s the best to ever do it.”
Garner, known for building a defensive line room that is tough, disciplined, and relentless, has cultivated a selfless culture where players are expected to give everything for the team. This culture has become the foundation of Tennessee’s defensive line success, and Ayers is eager to help continue building that legacy.
“The culture in our room is what makes it special,” Ayers explained. “It’s all about accountability, toughness, and the understanding that you can’t raise lions unless you’re a lion yourself. Coach Garner has set the tone, and I want to be part of raising these young men to be savages on the field.”
A Full Circle Moment
For Ayers, being able to return to Tennessee in a coaching capacity is especially meaningful. He is deeply proud of the legacy he helped build during his time as a player. With Tennessee on the rise under head coach Josh Heupel, Ayers sees a bright future for the Vols. He’s excited to be part of that resurgence, helping the team regain its place among college football’s elite.
“The program is in a great place now, and it means a lot to me to be back. I’m just grateful that I get to serve in this role. I’m not here to talk about ‘back in my day,’ but I do know what this program is capable of. Tennessee can be a dominant force again, and I want to help make that happen.”
The Future Ahead
As Ayers begins his coaching career in Knoxville, his goals are clear: he wants to be the best coach he can be, help the Vols compete for a national championship and leave a lasting impact on the lives of young men.
“I want to be remembered as someone who helped players grow—not just on the field, but as men,” Ayers said. “And ultimately, I want to help Tennessee win a national championship. That’s the goal. To be the defensive line coach here, and to be one of the best to ever do it.”
Ayers’ journey from NFL star to aspiring coach is just beginning, but already, he has made a significant mark. With his combination of experience, humility, and relentless drive, there’s little doubt that Ayers will continue to make an impact both on and off the field for years to come.