KNOXVILLE— The week before Christmas, the media had a chance to meet most of the new Vol assistant coaches. While numerous questions were asked, several stood out. Will the Vols be returning to a 4-3 defensive scheme? What are the most pressing needs on defense? What will be hallmarks of the offense and defense? Which areas need addressed in recruiting?

Vol defensive coordinator John Jancek, whose Cincinnati defense ranked in the top 20 nationally in scoring the last two seasons, was quick to establish his defensive style.

Vol defensive coordinator John Jancek speaks with members of the media on Dec 20, 2012. Photo by Reed Carringer.

“We are going to base out of the four-man front and get back to that. Obviously that affects our recruiting so we have to make sure that we are identifying those guys right now so we can target them for the home stretch in recruiting.”

Jancek singled out the defensive line as the position where the Vols need the most help and will prioritize recruiting speed to the defensive side of the ball. When asked about specific traits of his defense, Jancek described a unit which would make plays and not beat itself.

“If I could have my perfect style. I would want to describe it as a defense that plays with great effort. That plays with great intensity, that doesn’t beat itself. Players are in position to make plays and be an exciting group to watch. Part of that style is tackling. To be great tacklers and be physical and when people play Tennessee, they know that they are in for a long game.”

Added Jancek, “We have some challenges, but I love the attitude of our guys. They want to be coached.”

On the other side of the ball, Vol offensive coordinator Michael Bajakian first described his coaching philosophy as relational.

Vol offensive coordinator Michael Bajakian speaks with members of the media on Dec 20, 2012. Photo by Reed Carringer.

“Developing relationships with recruits, with our players, so much of what we do is based on the family environment and getting to know our players closely. Number one we have to build those relationships with our current team, with recruits, that will help give us the foundation.”

Coach Bajakian said his offense will be “uptempo, no huddle” but that schematically the staff would adapt to the strengths of the personnel.

“We will mold the system to the strengths of our personnel that is our bottom line. We are not going to try to be something we are not. If our strength is throwing the ball, we will do that. If it is running the ball, we will do that. Schematically, if we block zone better than we block power we will do that. Or vice versa.”

We’ll continue to cover the Vol assistants as the year progresses here at FootballTime.com. For even more coverage of the Vol staff look for “Football Time in Tennessee” to hit newsstands in May.

You can follow Jancek (@UTCoachJancek) and Bajakian (@UTCoachJake) on Twitter.