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Come Fan with UsWednesday, August 12, 2026

Derek Dooley threatens to bench Tyler Bray if turnovers continue

Tennessee Volunteers head coach Derek Dooley said he told starting quarterback Tyler Bray that he will be benched if he continues being careless with the ball.

Kevin C. Cox

Tennessee Volunteers coach Derek Dooley said Monday that starting quarterback Tyler Bray will be benched in favor of backup Justin Worley if Bray continues to throw interceptions. According to GoVolsXtra.com, Dooley was also critical of Bray refusing to speak to the media following the Vols' 44-13 loss to Alabama on Saturday.

“That’s unacceptable in our program,” Dooley said in his weekly press conference. “There’s no defense for that type of behavior.”

Bray threw two interceptions and no touchdowns against the Crimson Tide, and he completed only 48 percent of his passes in the loss. While Bray has completed 59 percent of his passes this season and already has 1,914 passing yards, his production has dipped in four SEC games.

Of the junior’s nine interceptions this season, eight have come in four SEC games, all of which were losses.

If Bray’s turnovers continue, the Volunteers (3-4) would go to Worley, the Rock Hill, S.C., native. The 6’4 sophomore has played in two games this season and has completed 7-of-12 passes for 83 yards and an interception.

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