ATHENS, Ga. — Rodney Garner, one of Georgia's top assistant coaches, says he has turned down an offer to coach at Tennessee.

Garner, Georgia's defensive line coach and recruiting coordinator, interviewed for a position on new Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin's staff.

Garner said Monday he was "flattered" and "sincerely appreciative" of the interest from Tennessee but said there were more positives at Georgia.

Garner has been a Georgia assistant since 1998. His 2008 salary was more than $250,000, which made him the third-highest paid assistant on the staff.

There was no immediate report if Garner received a raise to remain at Georgia.