In a heartfelt message to the Tennessee Volunteers community, newly appointed special teams coordinator Evan Crabtree expressed his gratitude and excitement following his promotion from analyst to coordinator. Crabtree’s elevation comes in the wake of Mike Ekeler’s departure to Nebraska, leaving significant shoes to fill in the Vols’ coaching staff.
Upon the announcement of his promotion, Crabtree took to social media to share his enthusiasm:
“Blessed to be in this position! Chasing greatness every single day! #GBO đî îciteîturn0search0î îThis message resonated with fans, reflecting his commitment to maintaining the high standards set by his predecessorî îCrabtree’s journey within the Tennessee program has been marked by dedication and a deep understanding of the team’s cultureîîHis familiarity with the players and existing systems is expected to facilitate a smooth transition, ensuring continuity in the Vols’ special teams performanceî îFinancially, Crabtree’s new role comes with a contract valued at $225,000 annually, extending through the 2028 seasonî îciteîturn0search0îîThis commitment underscores the confidence that head coach Josh Heupel and the administration have in Crabtree’s abilities to lead the special teams unit effectivelyî îThe departure of Mike Ekeler, who was instrumental in elevating Tennessee’s special teams, presents both a challenge and an opportunity for CrabtreeîîEkeler’s tenure was marked by passion and a relentless drive for excellence, attributes that Crabtree aims to embody in his new positionî îReflecting on the impact of the fans, Ekeler previously highlighted the significance of the Neyland Stadium atmosphereî
î”Our fans, I don’t know how many points they’re worth each week, but they’re worth a bunch. The environment, it sells itself.î îciteîturn0search1î îThis sentiment emphasizes the vital role that fan support plays in the team’s success, a tradition that Crabtree is eager to continueî îLooking ahead, the Vols are poised to build upon their historic achievement of reaching the College Football Playoff for the first time last seasonîîMaintaining excellence in all facets of the gameâoffense, defense, and special teamsâis crucial for replicating and surpassing that successîîWith offensive strategies under Heupel and defensive coordination by Tim Banks, Crabtree’s special teams will be a pivotal component in the Vols’ pursuit of greatnessî îThe upcoming season presents challenges, notably the departure of key talents such as EDGE James Pearce Jr. and running back Dylan SampsonîîHowever, the foundation remains strong, and the integration of new players offers fresh opportunities for the team to evolveî îCrabtree’s promotion is not just a personal milestone but a testament to the internal development within the Tennessee programîîHis journey from analyst to coordinator exemplifies the opportunities available within the organization for those who demonstrate dedication and expertiseî îAs the Vols prepare for the upcoming season, the special teams unit, under Crabtree’s leadership, will be integral to the team’s overall performanceîîThe synergy between coaching staff, players, and the unwavering support of the fans creates a promising outlook for Tennessee footballî îIn embracing his new role, Crabtree has conveyed a clear message: the pursuit of greatness is a daily endeavor, and with collective effort, the Vols are poised to achieve remarkable feats in the seasons to comeî
