Tenn. Code Ann. § 67-1-1618: Officials by whom suit brought

(a) The motion or suit in favor of the state may be in the name of the state, and shall be brought by the county auditors or by the district attorney general of the district where it is instituted upon the request of the county auditors made upon direction of the commissioner and state treasurer.

(b) The motion or suit by the county may be brought in the name of the state, for the use of the county, by the district attorney general or by counsel employed for that purpose.

(c) A motion or suit in favor of the municipality may be in the name of the state for the use of such municipality by the mayor of the city or the city attorney.