Another top Bucs assistant coach could run the Tennessee Volunteers defense next season.

Bucs linebackers coach Joe Barry is a candidate to replace Monte Kiffin as the Vols' defensive coordinator. Barry was contacted by new Tennessee coach Derek Dooley on Saturday, the same day he was named the Vols head coach.

"I really didn't know coach Dooley from the Man in the Moon until he called,'' Barry said. "But he said he really liked what Monte did on defense there at Tennessee and wanted to continue it. He said through all his research, my name was the one that kept coming up.''

The Vols were close to hiring Clemson defensive coordinator Kevin Steele, but he informed Dooley Thursday he was remaining with the Tigers. Steele reportedly was offered a three-year deal worth $750,000 annually.

"Of course, I'm very interested,'' Barry said. "Yes, it's college football. But you're talking about the chance to be a defensive coordinator at a big-time program like Tennessee in the Southeastern Conference. It would be a good opportunity. We'll see what happens.''

Barry said Dooley has contacted him on two occasions since he was hired Jan. 16.