Former Vol Robert Ayers Jr. is joining Josh Heupel’s coaching staff.

Ayers Jr. will serve as a defensive graduate assistant for the Vols in 2023.

He played linebacker and defensive end at Tennessee from 2004-08.

The former Vol served as defensive coordinator at Oak Ridge High School in Oak Ridge, Tennessee in 2022.

He came to Oak Ridge after serving as defensive coordinator and defensive line coach at Knoxville Catholic High School (Knoxville, Tennessee) during the 2020-21 seasons.

Ayers Jr. was selected No. 18 by Denver in the first round of the 2009 NFL draft.

In the NFL, Ayers Jr. played for Denver (2009-13), the New York Giants (2014-15) and Tampa Bay (2016-17).

Ayers totaled 257 tackles, 35 sacks, 14 pass deflections, eight forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and one defensive touchdown during his NFL career.