Rodney Garner

Biography

updated March 2026 One of the nation’s most esteemed defensive line coaches and recruiters returned to Rocky Top in 2021. Rodney Garner, a 37-year Southeastern Conference veteran known for developing NFL defensive linemen, enters his sixth season on Josh Heupel’s staff and his eighth at Tennessee overall. THE GARNER FILE PERSONAL INFORMATION Born: June 30, 1966 Hometown: Leeds, Alabama Education: Auburn, 1990 (bachelor’s in criminology) Wife: Kimberly Children: Bridgett, Brielle, Jaiden, Kai, Sydney, Milan COACHING HISTORY 1990-95: Auburn, Tight Ends/Recruiting Coordinator/Assistant Strength & Conditioning 1996: Tennessee, Tight Ends 1997: Tennessee, Tight Ends/Offensive Tackles 1998-2004: Georgia, Defensive Line/Recruiting Coordinator 2005-12: Georgia, Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Line 2013-20: Auburn, Associate Head Coach/Defensive Line 2021-present: Tennessee, Defensive Line CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS (6) 2013 SEC – Auburn (Associate Head Coach/Defensive Line) 2005 SEC – Georgia (Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Line) 2002 SEC – Georgia (Defensive Line/Recruiting Coordinator) 1997 SEC – Tennessee (Tight Ends/Offensive Tackles) 1988 SEC – Auburn (player) 1987 SEC – Auburn (player) POSTSEASON APPEARANCES AS A COACH (32) 2025 Music City Bowl – Tennessee 2024 CFP First Round - Tennessee 2024 Citrus Bowl - Tennessee 2022 Orange Bowl - Tennessee 2021 Music City Bowl - Tennessee 2021 Citrus Bowl – Auburn 2020 Outback Bowl – Auburn 2018 Music City Bowl – Auburn 2018 Peach Bowl – Aub