The Tennessee Volunteers have officially extended the contracts of two vital members of their football coaching staff, securing the services of cornerbacks coach Willie Martinez and strength coach Kurt Schmidt. These extensions reflect the program’s commitment to continuity and furthering its recent success under head coach Josh Heupel.
Martinez, who is in his second tenure with the Volunteers, has been instrumental in shaping Tennessee’s secondary. Prior to returning in 2021, he previously served as the team’s assistant head coach and secondary coach from 2013 to 2016. With extensive experience in the Southeastern Conference, including a stint as Georgia’s defensive coordinator and secondary coach, Martinez has played a key role in improving Tennessee’s pass defense. The Volunteers ranked in the top 30 for passing yards allowed last season, a testament to the progress made under his leadership.
Schmidt brings a wealth of experience in strength and conditioning, having worked in both college football and the NFL. Before joining Tennessee, he held positions at Arkansas and Missouri and also spent four years in a similar role with the San Francisco 49ers. His expertise has been crucial in developing the physicality and endurance of Tennessee’s players, ensuring they compete at a high level throughout the grueling SEC schedule.
The contract extensions solidify their roles within the program. Martinez will earn $540,000 annually over the next two years, while Schmidt’s extension will pay him $475,000 for one additional season. These moves indicate Tennessee’s commitment to maintaining stability within its coaching staff as it continues to compete at the highest level.
The news of these extensions comes amid a busy period for the Volunteers’ staff, as the program also announced two internal promotions earlier in the week. These changes reflect Heupel’s confidence in his coaching team and his desire to build on the momentum Tennessee has generated in recent seasons.
Martinez’s experience and recruiting acumen have been critical in Tennessee’s defensive improvement, particularly in a conference known for its high-powered offenses. His ability to develop talent in the secondary has helped the Volunteers compete with the best passing attacks in the nation.
Similarly, Schmidt’s role in conditioning and player development has been pivotal in Tennessee’s physical style of play. His expertise in maximizing player performance has contributed to the team’s durability and resilience in a demanding conference.
With these extensions, Tennessee is reinforcing its commitment to building a sustainable and competitive program. By securing two key coaches for the foreseeable future, the Volunteers are positioning themselves for continued success in the highly competitive landscape of SEC football.