Reportedly, ex-Tennessee Vols wide receiver is one of the 'final options' for vacant head coaching position.

Casey Woods, a former wide receiver for the Tennessee Vols, is reportedly among the final candidates for a college football head coaching position. According to Chris Vannini of The Athletic, Woods is being considered to replace Trent Dilfer as the head coach at UAB.

Woods played at Tennessee from 2003 to 2007 and is currently in his fourth year as SMU's offensive coordinator. He also spent time as UAB's tight ends coach from 2017 to 2019. Vannini highlighted that Woods is a leading option, alongside Navy offensive coordinator Drew Cronic, while Mercers Mike Jacobs and Presbyterians Steve Englehart were also previously considered.

During his college career, Woods appeared in 41 games for Tennessee and served as a team captain in 2007, the last season the Vols claimed the SEC East title.

Coaching Career Progression

After finishing his playing career, Woods started as a graduate assistant at Tennessee in 2008. He later joined Auburn as a quality control assistant for three seasons, including the 2010 national championship year with quarterback Cam Newton. Woods then became the wide receivers coach at Arkansas State for one year, followed by a three-season stint as Auburn's director of player personnel.

Woods returned to on-field coaching at UAB in 2017 and later spent two seasons as tight ends coach at Missouri before joining SMU. Although he does not call plays during SMUs regular season, he handles play-calling during spring practices under head coach Rhett Lashlee.

Potential Future Moves

If Woods does not secure the UAB position, he may remain a candidate for positions on Tennessee's coaching staff, potentially under head coach Josh Heupel. While there are no formal ties between Heupel and Woods, his reputation as an offensive strategist in college football is well-regarded.

This article was first published by A to Z Sports on November 26, 2025, in the Nashville section.

Analysis: Casey Woods’ Potential Move to UAB

Casey Woods, former wide receiver for the Tennessee Vols, is reportedly a leading contender for the head coaching role at UAB. This comes after the departure of Trent Dilfer, making the position open for new leadership. Woods, who is currently in his fourth year as the offensive coordinator at SMU, is being considered as one of the top candidates alongside Drew Cronic from Navy. Other names that were in the running include Mike Jacobs from Mercer and Steve Englehart from Presbyterian, but Woods stands out due to his varied experience in coaching.

Woods has an extensive background in college football, both as a player and coach. His college career included 41 games with Tennessee and serving as a team captain during their SEC East title in 2007. His coaching journey began as a graduate assistant at Tennessee in 2008, followed by stints at Auburn, Arkansas State, and UAB. His current role as SMU’s offensive coordinator has strengthened his reputation, particularly with his role in play-calling during spring practices. However, he is not yet calling plays during the regular season for SMU, leaving some questions about his readiness to take on a full head coach position.

If Woods does not secure the UAB role, his future in college football coaching may still hold opportunities, especially with Tennessee. Although there is no formal connection to current Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel, Woods' strategic knowledge of offense could make him a valuable asset to Heupel’s staff. With a solid foundation in coaching and a strong playing background, Woods may continue to rise within the coaching ranks regardless of the UAB decision.

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• Former Tennessee Vols wide receiver is reportedly among the 'final options' for open head coaching job