Chavis to stay with Vols, turns down job with NFL's Falcons

10 Sports has learned Tennessee defensive coordinator John Chavis has turned down a job with the NFL's Atlanta Falcons and will stay with the Vols.

Chavis interviewed for the linebacker's coaching job on Mike Smith's new staff in Atlanta. He has relationships with several members of the Falcons staff.

Chavis faces some challenges with the UT defense next year with graduation and the loss of linebacker Jerod Mayo. He informed head coach Phillip Fulmer today he would be staying.

This is not the first time an NFL team has made a run at Chavis. He is known to have turned down at least two other offers.