Former Tennessee Vols Assistant Coach Trooper Taylor Dies Suddenly; Cause of Death Not Yet Disclosed
April 6, 2025
The college football world is in shock following the sudden death of longtime assistant coach and renowned recruiter Trooper Taylor. Taylor, who served as a beloved assistant coach at the University of Tennessee during the mid-2000s, passed away unexpectedly over the weekend. The cause of death has not been made public at this time.
Taylor, known for his high energy, booming voice, trademark towel slung over his shoulder, and deep relationships with players, was a larger-than-life figure on the sidelines and in locker rooms across the country. His death has left an entire generation of athletes, coaches, and fans stunned and heartbroken.
A Vol for Life
Trooper Taylor joined the Tennessee Volunteers coaching staff in 2004 under then-head coach Phillip Fulmer. He began his role coaching running backs, where he quickly left a mark by mentoring Cedric Houston and Gerald Riggs Jr., who both eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards that season—the first time in school history that two backs accomplished the feat in the same year.
In 2005, Taylor was promoted to assistant head coach for player development, taking on responsibilities that extended beyond the field. He was known for his hands-on work in supporting student-athletes with academics, personal growth, and life after football. In 2006, Taylor became the wide receivers coach and helped guide Robert Meachem to All-American status and a first-round selection in the 2007 NFL Draft.
Former Tennessee players have long credited Taylor not just with coaching, but with mentorship and life guidance. “Coach Troop was more than a coach to us,” said one former player. “He was a father figure, a motivator, and someone who always believed in you—even when you didn’t believe in yourself.”
A Coaching Career That Spanned the Nation
After his time at Tennessee, Taylor moved on to Oklahoma State in 2007, where he served as co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach. He later held positions at Auburn, Arkansas State, Duke, and most recently, at Texas A&M. At each stop, Taylor was known for his relentless recruiting, his infectious enthusiasm, and his rare ability to connect deeply with players and parents alike.
He played a significant role in building championship-contending rosters, particularly during his time at Auburn, where he helped bring in key talent that would eventually lead the program to a national title. His influence stretched far beyond the SEC, with players across the country recalling his passion, his belief in education, and the care he took in developing young men.
Grief Across the Football Community
Tributes began pouring in immediately after news of his death broke. Former players, colleagues, and fans took to social media to honor Taylor’s legacy. Phillip Fulmer, the head coach under whom Taylor served at Tennessee, released a statement saying, “Trooper was one of the most passionate coaches and devoted mentors I’ve ever had the honor to work with. His love for the game and his players was unmatched. This is a heartbreaking loss for all of us who knew him.”
Current and former players echoed similar sentiments, referring to Taylor as a role model, motivator, and family man. “He didn’t just coach football—he coached life,” one former player wrote. “I owe so much of who I am to the lessons I learned from him.”
At various football facilities this weekend, moments of silence were held. Photos of Taylor on the sidelines, towel in hand, were shared widely, along with memories of the pregame speeches, jokes, and powerful mentorship that made him unforgettable.
A Devoted Family Man
Trooper Taylor is survived by his wife, Evi, and their two children, Blaise and Starr. Blaise followed in his father’s footsteps, playing college football at Arkansas State and serving in various roles on coaching staffs in recent years. The Taylor family has asked for privacy during this time of deep grief.
In a brief family statement released through a representative, they said, “Trooper was our rock. He brought joy, strength, and love to our family every single day. While we are devastated, we are comforted by the outpouring of support and love from across the country. We thank everyone who has reached out.”
No Cause Yet Confirmed
As of Sunday night, no official cause of death has been shared. Family members and close friends have remained private, and university and athletic officials have chosen to respect their wishes. A formal statement is expected in the coming days.
Until then, speculation continues—but so does remembrance.
A Lasting Legacy
Trooper Taylor will be remembered not only for his coaching achievements, but for the lives he touched over the course of his decades-long career. He was the kind of coach who followed up on birthdays, checked on his former players long after they graduated, and made it clear that his commitment to them was lifelong.
In every program he joined, Taylor brought fire, loyalty, and a deep sense of purpose. His impact can’t be measured in wins and losses, but in stories—thousands of them—told by those who knew and loved him.
Plans for a memorial service have not yet been announced, but tributes are expected to continue all week. In stadiums across the South and beyond, one thing is certain: Trooper Taylor will never be forgotten.
