Tennessee hires Gillespie as running backs coach

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Robert Gillespie is taking over as Tennessee's running backs coach after holding the same position at West Virginia the past two seasons.

Gillespie replaces Jay Graham, who left Butch Jones' Tennessee staff on Monday to take a job at Florida State. Gillespie's hiring was announced Friday through a university release.

Before working as West Virginia's running backs coach in 2011 and 2012, Gillespie coached Oklahoma State's running backs in 2009 and 2010. He also worked four years at South Carolina, where he spent 2005 as a graduate assistant before coaching the Gamecocks' running backs from 2006-08.

Gillespie played tailback at Florida from 1998-2001. He finished his college career with 1,854 yards rushing, 96 catches and 1,091 yards receiving.

Tennessee begins its first spring practice under Jones on March 9.