About Me

– FOUNDER & HEAD COACH –

James Wilhoit is the all-time leading scorer in University of Tennessee football history, finishing his career with 325 points from 2003–2006. A First-Team All-SEC selection in 2006 and four-year starter for the Volunteers, he was known for his accuracy, powerful leg, and clutch performances—most notably his 50-yard game-winner against Florida in 2004.

After his playing career, James transitioned into coaching and founded Wilhoit Kicking Academy in 2010, training hundreds of kickers and punters who have earned scholarships and success at the collegiate and professional levels.

From 2021–2023, Wilhoit served as Kicking Coach for the Tennessee Titans, providing expert instruction to NFL specialists. His extensive network of college special teams coordinators and professional coaches across the country gives his athletes unique recruiting insight and opportunities that extend far beyond the field.

Coach Wilhoit’s philosophy blends technical precision with mental discipline, developing players who perform under pressure and prepare like elite athletes. His passion for building confident, consistent specialists has made Wilhoit Kicking Academy a national leader in specialist development.

I want everyone that trains with us to improve their confidence and fundamentals as a specialist, but also to know they are set up for success in life. With a specialist’s commitment to continuous improvement, they’ll be able to improve their game and anything they set their mind to. – Coach Wilhoit

More on Coach James

Awards

2003-2006 (University of Tennessee)
Freshman All American in 2003.

1st Team All SEC 2006.

Made 59 of 82 field goal attempts (71.9 percent) and kicked 47% of his kickoffs for touchbacks over four years as starting kicker.

2nd All Time leading scorer in Univ. of Tennessee history with 325 total points

High School 2000-2001 (Hendersonville High School)

Only Parade All American in Hendersonville High School Football history

Still holds record for most field goals in a season in Tennessee history with 21 field goals.

Ranked as Rivals #1 ranked kicker along with being selected as an All American by SuperPrep, PrepStar, and Max Emfinger

Athletics

2010-2011

Training for PRO Football with Bill Renner- training for PRO football with Coach Bill Renner.
University of Tennessee Special Teams Intern: Assisted Special Teams Coach Eddie Gran with day to day special teams’ duties. Worked under Coach Lane Kiffin.
Coach Zauner Kicking Camp Coordinator: Assisted Coach Zauner with kicking camps including Coach Zauner’s 1st Annual College Senior Combine, 2010 Free Agent Combine, and Pro Development Camps in Arizona and Minnesota

2009

Worked for Coach Gary Zauner as his personal assistant learning his highly acclaimed kicking and punting techniques.

College 2003-2006 (University of Tennessee)

Freshman All American in 2003.
1st Team All SEC 2006.
Made 59 of 82 field goal attempts (71.9 percent) and kicked 47% of his kickoffs for touchbacks over four years as starting kicker.
2nd All Time leading scorer in Univ. of Tennessee history with 325 total points.
Kicked the game winning 50 yard field goal against Florida in 2004 with just 6 seconds remaining.

High School 2000-2001 (Hendersonville High School)

Only Parade All American in Hendersonville High School Football history
Still holds record for most field goals in a season in Tennessee history with 21 field goals.
Made long field goals of 58, 56, and 53 yards