New Tennessee special teams coordinator Evan Crabtree ready to 'uphold the standard' with Vols
Tennessee Football on Tuesday announced the promotion of Evan Crabtree to special teams coordinator, elevating him from his former role as graduate assistant and analyst.
The Vols promoted Crabtree to replace former special teams coordinator Mike Ekeler while also hiring John Bonamego as assistant special teams coach.
“It’s hard to express how excited and grateful I am,” Crabtree said Tuesday in a press release, “to have the opportunity to work with this team and staff every single day. Since the moment I arrived on Rocky Top, I’ve seen the culture and atmosphere that Coach (Josh) Heupel has created, and I want nothing more than to continue to be a part of it.
“Tennessee has a history of greatness on special teams, and we will push to uphold that standard every single day as we chase a championship. Go Vols!”
Josh Heupel promoted two coaches, made one outside hire
The Vols also promoted Levorn ‘Chop’ Harbin was also promoted to outside linebackers coach, taking over the position previously held by Ekeler, who was both special teams coordinator and outside linebackers coach for the Vols. Ekeler left for Nebraska two weeks ago.
Crabtree joined the Tennessee staff as a graduate assistant in 2022, working as an analyst for Ekeler’s special teams units.
“We have taken great pride in our special teams units being among the best in the country since we arrived here,” Heupel said in a press release. “Evan has played a pivotal role in that success.
“John owns nearly two decades of coaching special teams at the highest level. As a former head coach, he brings a wealth of experience and knowledge into our program.”
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Contract details for Tennessee’s coach promotions, extensions
Crabtree got a three-year deal worth $250,000 per year. Harbin will be paid $350,000 as part of a two-year deal. Bonamego got a one-year deal for $250,000.
Heupel also extended defensive backs coach Willie Martinez and strength coach Kurt Schmidt. Martinez got a two-year deal paying $540,000 per year and Schmidt got a one-year deal worth $475,000.
Crabtree, a native of Dublin, Ohio, spent two seasons as a graduate assistant at Miami (Ohio), his alma mater, where he also worked with special teams. He was a longsnapper for the Miami football program from 2016-19.
“We are excited about the cohesiveness of our coaching staff,” Heupel said. “Chop and Evan understand the culture and standard of excellence that we have built here over the past four years.
“Both have strong relationships with our players, and it will make for a seamless transition as we get ready for spring practice. Chop has been a valuable part of our recruiting efforts.”
