Kevin Bannon - Football Coach

Kevin Bannon

Title:
Associate Head Coach | Offensive Coordinator
Email:
kbannon@utm.edu

Kevin Bannon has established himself as one of the longest-tenured and most influential assistant coaches in the history of UT Martin football. A former Skyhawk standout, Bannon returned to his alma mater in 2013 and has played a major role in the program’s sustained success, offensive development and championship tradition.

Bannon enters his 14th season on the UT Martin coaching staff in 2026 after initially joining the program as an offensive line coach. He was promoted to offensive coordinator prior to the 2015 season while retaining his responsibilities with the offensive line, and he was elevated to associate head coach prior to the 2024 campaign. He has been a key figure in developing some of the most accomplished offensive linemen and skill-position players in Skyhawk history.

During his tenure at UT Martin, Bannon has overseen the progression and development of All-OVC linemen Elijah Bowser, Robert Burleigh, Drake Carroll, Kenneth Crenshaw, Aries Davis, Jai’Lun Hampton, Matthan Hatchie, Chris Jackson, Lamar Morgan, Gavin Olson, Jackson Roberts, Jarod Russell, Michael Shanahan, Charles Sweeton, Josiah Tingley, Vance Van Every and D'Marius Warren. He has also mentored offensive playmakers Ben Axline, John Bachus III, Bryce Bailey, Jase Bauer, Colton Dowell, Max Dowling, Sam Franklin, LaDarius Galloway, Keon Howard, Londell Lee, Peyton Logan, Jarod Neal, DJ Nelson, Trevonte Rucker Patrick Smith, DeVonte Tanksley, Zak Wallace, Donnell Williams, Rodney Williams II, Terry Williams, Dresser Winn and Rod Wright.

Bannon has played a key role in all five conference championships in program history with the first coming as a player in 2006 while winning four consecutive league titles as offensive coordinator in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.

Under Bannon's direction, UT Martin offenses have consistently ranked among the Ohio Valley Conference and FCS leaders. From 2013 through 2017, the Skyhawk offensive line surrendered only 86 sacks in 58 games while producing one of the league's most productive offenses, averaging 415.4 yards and 30.1 points per game during that span. The 2015 offense averaged 35.5 points per game and ranked among the nation's top offensive units.

Bannon's impact was particularly evident during UT Martin's championship run from 2021 through 2024. He helped guide the Skyhawks to four consecutive conference championships, serving as offensive coordinator for each title. The 2021 offense ranked among the national leaders in rushing and sacks allowed, while the 2022 unit averaged 442.7 yards and 34.7 points per game. In 2023, UT Martin ranked seventh nationally in total offense and eighth in rushing offense.

The 2024 season represented another landmark campaign. UT Martin finished 9-5, captured its fourth consecutive conference championship and advanced to the FCS playoffs. The Skyhawk offense established school records for total offense (5,249 yards), first downs (255) and rushing touchdowns (28) while averaging 31.4 points per game. Six offensive players earned all-conference honors, with offensive linemen Carroll and Van Every also receiving All-American recognition.

Bannon's coaching success is built upon his own distinguished playing career at UT Martin. A two-time All-OVC selection, he played in 45 games and made 43 starts from 2005-08. He was a starting member of the 2006 Skyhawk team that captured the program's first OVC championship, helping pave the way for a rushing attack that led the league. As a senior in 2008, Bannon earned first-team All-OVC honors after helping lead an offense that ranked first in the conference in scoring, touchdowns and total offense while grading out at 80 percent and only allowing one sack on the season.

Following his playing career, Bannon began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at UT Martin in 2009 and 2010 before spending two seasons as an offensive line graduate assistant at Marshall. He briefly worked with the offensive line at Arkansas in 2013 before returning to Martin to begin his long-term tenure on the Skyhawk coaching staff.

Before his playing career at UT Martin, Bannon was a two-sport athlete at Wentzville High School in Wentzville, Mo., competing in football and wrestling. He earned all-state and all-metro accolades as a senior and all-district honors as a junior. He was also a three-year All-Gateway Athletic Conference team selection.

Bannon graduated from UT Martin in 2009. He is married to the former Meagan Stricklin of Sharon, Tenn. and the couple has three children, Knox, Kyler and McKinley.