Tenuta was the former associate head coach and defensive coordinator of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. In the wake of the November 26, 2007 firing of Georgia Tech head coach Chan Gailey, Tenuta was named Interim Head Coach, but was not retained by incoming head coach Paul Johnson. He also coached the Yellow Jackets' defensive backs[1] and was one of the highest paid coordinators in college football.
On January 31, 2008, Tenuta was named assistant head coach/defense at the University of Notre Dame succeeding Bill Lewis. Tenuta coached the linebackers and ran the defense for three seasons with the Irish. He was hired by Charlie Weis after having worked at Georgia Tech since 2002.[2] Tenuta's position at Notre Dame ended following the firing of Weis after the 2009 season ended. Incoming Head Coach Brian Kelly chose not to retain Tenuta and replaced him with his then–Cincinnati defensive coordinator Bob Diaco.
On January 3, 2013, it was announced that Tenuta and former NC State head coach Tom O'Brien would be joining the coaching staff at Tenuta's alma mater, the University of Virginia. Tenuta served as the defensive coordinator for the Cavaliers until 2015.[4]
