Kiffin will succeed Phillip Fulmer, who has coached the Vols for 17 years. Fulmer announced this month he would not be back next season.

The 33-year-old Kiffin was let go by the Raiders Oct. 1. He had a record of 5-15 with the NFL team.

Tennessee Athletics Director Mike Hamilton said university officials had been meeting with prospective coaches in recent weeks and decided on Kiffin.

"When it was all said and done, we felt like Lane Kiffin was a perfect fit for Tennessee," Hamilton said. "He's energetic, charismatic, consumed with recruiting and has had a lifelong love affair with football."