Tennessee Volunteers Part Ways With Chaz Coleman After Medical Disqualification

The Tennessee Volunteers have parted ways with edge rusher Chaz Coleman after a medical disqualification. According to multiple reports, Coleman was medically disqualified from the program after months of uncertainty surrounding his status.

The decision comes after a spring and early summer filled with speculation. The highly touted Penn State transfer missed most of spring practice and failed to report to summer workouts.

Coleman was one of the most notable transfers for Tennessee and was considered a major addition for the Volunteers. After following defensive coordinator Jim Knowles from Penn State to Knoxville, many believed he would immediately become the Volunteers’ top pass rusher. His arrival was viewed as a major victory for head coach Josh Heupel, who is rebuilding the Tennessee defense after several key departures.

Instead, Coleman never took the field in a meaningful way. Questions surfaced during spring practice when Coleman missed multiple workouts due to what the coaching staff described as personal issues. He sat out Tennessee’s Orange and White spring game, prompting speculation about whether he would be available for the 2026 season. Throughout the spring, Heupel consistently expressed support for Coleman while declining to provide details about the situation.

It’s notable because Knowles was Ohio State’s defensive coordinator in 2024, when the Buckeyes won the national title, and Coleman is from Ohio. Without Coleman, Tennessee will likely turn to Tulane transfer Jordan Norman and several young defensive linemen to help replace his caliber and production. Now, defensive coordinator Knowles faces the challenge of maintaining an aggressive front four in his first season with the Volunteers.

Although Coleman’s time at Tennessee ends without an appearance in a regular season game, both the university and coaching staff have emphasized their support for him throughout the process.

​