Jimmy Ray Stephens doesn't have far to move. The former University of Tennessee offensive line coach got hired Thursday at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro.

Stephens, who was terminated by UT coach Phillip Fulmer at the end of a 5-6 season, will coach the offensive line at MTSU.

"Jimmy Ray is a great recruiter, coach and teacher,'' said new MTSU coach Rick Stockstill.

Stephens, 51, worked at UT four years.

"Middle Tennessee is a place I have always had my eye on,'' Stephens said in a release. "Rick Stockstill is the main reason I'm here because he is such a good friend and I truly believe in him as a person and coach.''

Stockstill also hired Noel Mazzone, formerly of Ole Miss, as offensive coordinator and North Carolina State assistant Manny Diaz as defensive coordinator.

Les Herrin comes from Clemson as the new defensive line coach.

Pat Washington, who was let go from UT along with Stephens, quickly landed as the receivers coach at Kansas State.