“We are excited to welcome De’Rail, his wife Lauren and his daughters Amayah and Alivia into the Tennessee football family,” Heupel said. “De’Rail is an exceptionally bright coach with a track record of developing outstanding running back rooms and building relationships with his players. Our run game has been vital to who we are as a program, and I expect him to make a seamless transition in helping us continue that success. De’Rail also has the experience and knowledge of our recruiting footprint surrounding Tennessee. We look forward to him making an impact in our recruiting efforts.”
Sims has coached running backs for over a decade with successful tenures at Cincinnati (2023), Louisville (2021-22), East Carolina (2019-20), James Madison (2016-18) and Western Carolina (2013-15).
“My family and I fired up to represent the University of Tennessee, and we appreciate Coach Heupel for this tremendous opportunity,” Sims said. “Having watched this program over the years from afar, it is one rich with history and tradition. I am excited to get to know our current players and hit the ground running in recruiting.”
Sims’ one season at Cincinnati saw the Bearcats rank fifth nationally in rushing, averaging 217.1 yards per game. Cincinnati rushed for more than 200 yards in nine games in an attack spearheaded by junior running back Corey Kiner. Under Sims’ tutelage, Kiner became the 20th 1,000-yard rusher in UC history, finishing 2023 with 1,047 yards on 192 carries and five touchdowns.
UC’s top three running backs – Kiner, senior Ryan Montgomery and sophomore Myles Montgomery combined to rush for 1,804 yards on 312 carries for a stellar 5.8 yards per rush average. Kiner rushed for 100 yards six times, while Ryan Montgomery reached the century mark twice and Myles Montgomery once.
Prior to the 2023 season, Sims was selected to participate in the NFL’s Bill Walsh Coaching Fellowship where he worked with Los Angeles Chargers over the summer.
Prior to Cincinnati, Sims was instrumental for a Louisville offense that finished in the top 25 nationally in each of his two seasons. In 2022, the Cardinals rushed for 200.6 yards per game, good for second in the ACC and 23rd nationally. In 2021, Louisville finished 18th in the FBS…
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