Tennessee Vols Football Coaches Kurt Schmidt and Rock Gullickson Announce Resignation
In a surprising move, Tennessee Volunteers football team has confirmed the resignation of two of its key coaches: Kurt Schmidt, the fitness coach, and Rock Gullickson, the strength and conditioning coach. The announcement, made early this week, marks a significant change for the Vols program as both coaches had been integral in shaping the team’s physical training over recent years.
Schmidt, who joined the Vols in 2020, had been under scrutiny following a difficult 2024 season. Despite his reputation for designing rigorous and effective training programs, injuries and inconsistent physical performances plagued the team, leading to increased pressure on his role. Schmidt’s efforts to overhaul the fitness program earlier this year showed signs of improvement, but the challenges of the previous season weighed heavily on his decision to step down.
Alongside Schmidt, Gullickson, a veteran strength and conditioning coach with decades of experience, also announced his resignation. Gullickson, who had been with the Vols for several years, was a trusted figure in the program, known for his hard-nosed approach to player development. Under his guidance, Tennessee’s strength and conditioning program had seen notable success, but the team’s struggles in 2024 led to questions about the effectiveness of his methods moving forward.
Both Schmidt and Gullickson cited personal reasons and a desire to explore new professional opportunities as part of their decisions to leave the Vols. The resignations come at a time of transition for Tennessee’s football program, with fans and analysts alike speculating about how the team will handle the coaching void. The Vols are now tasked with finding replacements who can continue to improve player performance and ensure the team is physically prepared for future seasons.
The university has expressed gratitude for both coaches’ contributions to the program and is committed to finding new leadership to guide the team into the 2025 season.
