Cincinnati running backs coach De'Rail Sims leaving for the SEC

Cincinnati running backs coach De'Rail Sims has decided to leave Cincinnati to join Josh Heupel's staff at Tennessee in the same role. 

Prior to spending one season as running backs at Cincinnati, Sims coached at Louisville (2021-22) and East Carolina (2018-20).

UC ranked fifth nationally in rushing this past season, while Louisville ranked second in the ACC in rushing in 2021 and 2022. 

The Union, South Carolina native replaces Jerry Mack, who left Tennessee to join Jacksonville in the NFL.

Cincinnati should be an attractive job to potential candidates to replace Sims.

The Bearcats return 1,000 yard rusher Corey Kiner, added Ohio State transfer Evan Pryor, as well as Avon (OH) freshman Jakorrion Caffey, who is the all-time leading rusher in Avon history with 4,463 yards. 

With the entire offensive line also returning, the Bearcats should be a strong rushing team once again this coming season. 

This is the second coach that Scott Satterfield has seen leave for an SEC program. Earlier this off-season, defensive coordinator Bryan Brown left to go back to his alma mater, Ole Miss.