When it comes to statistics, John Chavis has had better seasons than 2006.

But his 12th season as Tennessee's defensive coordinator might have been one of his best coaching jobs.

At least according to his peers, who voted Chavis the American Football Coaches Association's assistant coach of the year on Wednesday.

"It's a great honor to be selected," Chavis said in a statement. "Anytime you're recognized by your peers it's special, it's truly special. The people in this profession know what's happening on a daily basis and they see things other people don't see. They're in the same battles we are in, and to be recognized by your peers is the greatest compliment that can be paid."

Tennessee lost eight starters from last year's defense, which finished first in the SEC and second nationally against the run.

"I'm extremely happy for him," UT coach Phillip Fulmer said. "He's a great football coach, and an even better person. His toughness and his tenacity and his work ethic is just outstanding."

UT's only returning starter on the front seven, preseason All-SEC defensive tackle Justin Harrell, played just three games before undergoing season-ending surgery on a torn biceps.

Defensive back Roshaun Fellows, who started four games in 2005 and eight games in 2004, missed all of this season after undergoing shoulder surgery.

Cornerback Inky Johnson, who started six games in '05, missed UT's final 10 games after a suffering a severe injury against Air Force.

"Certainly it was a challenging year for (Chavis) when you lose six out of your front seven and your best player who was the seventh guy," Fulmer said. "He's a great team guy and put together a group of guys and got the best out of them."

Chavis got plenty out of his linebackers.

After losing all three starters from last season, Chavis got consistent production from Marvin Mitchell, Jerod Mayo and Ryan Karl.

Mitchell finished eighth in the SEC with 92 tackles, and Mayo was 10th with 82, including five sacks.

Mayo also finished sixth in the SEC with 12.5 tackles for loss.

"I think the biggest thing is the players we've had to coach," said Chavis, who also thanked assistants Dan Brooks, Steve Caldwell and Larry Slade. "We've had the opportunity to coach a lot of outstanding athletes, a lot of guys who have performed well for us. It's a great achievement to me, but ultimately there are a lot of people who have had a big part in this."

UT's defense finished seventh in the SEC in total defense (33rd nationally) and eighth in scoring defense (39th nationally).

Since Chavis became UT's defensive coordinator in 1995, the Vols have held opponents to less than a 100-yard rushing average in six seasons and finished top three in the SEC in total defense eight times.

"I think John Chavis is one of the best coordinators in America," UT athletic director Mike Hamilton said. "I wrote him a note today telling him I'm glad he's a Tennessee Volunteer."

The other finalists for Division I-A were South Carolina's Tyrone Nix and Tulsa's Charlie Stubbs.

Chavis didn't make the final cut for the Broyles Award, given to the nation's top assistant coach by the Little Rock, Ark., Rotary Club since 1996.

Ohio State passing game coordinator Joe Daniels, Virginia Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster, Arkansas defensive coordinator Reggie Herring, Louisville offensive coordinator Paul Petrino and Oklahoma defensive coordinator Brent Venables are the five finalists.

Candidate Cutcliffe: The Raleigh News and Observer reported Wednesday that UT offensive coordinator Cutcliffe was interested in the vacant head coaching job at North Carolina State.

"Obviously I would be very interested if they are interested in me," Cutcliffe told the newspaper.

On Monday, Cutcliffe told the News Sentinel that he not been contacted by any schools about a coaching vacancy.

UT athletic director Mike Hamilton said Wednesday that he had not been contacted by anyone asking to speak with Cutcliffe.

Navy coach Paul Johnson, LSU offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher, former East Carolina coach Steve Logan are thought to be candidates for the job.

Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Norm Chow, who was the Wolfpack's offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in 2000, has also been mentioned as a possible successor to Amato.

Chow said through a Titans spokesman that he had not been approached about the job.