Josh Heupel’s journey from Norman, Oklahoma, to Knoxville, Tennessee, has been nothing short of remarkable. The current head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers has always had an undeniable connection to the sport of football, one that goes beyond strategy and execution. For Heupel, coaching is a calling—something that he believes was ordained by a higher power. As he reflects on his career, Heupel often mentions that “God made Josh Heupel to coach college football,” an expression that encapsulates his sense of purpose and his unwavering commitment to the game.
Heupel’s story begins at the University of Oklahoma, where he played as a quarterback under legendary head coach Bob Stoops. It was in Norman that Heupel’s football journey began to take shape. His playing career was defined by his precision, intelligence, and leadership. After transferring from Snow College in Utah, Heupel became the starting quarterback for the Sooners and quickly made a name for himself. In 2000, he led the Sooners to a national championship and finished second in the Heisman Trophy race. It was a moment of triumph, but little did Heupel know that this would only be the beginning of his deep connection to football and his future career in coaching.
Heupel’s playing days eventually came to an end, but his love for the game never wavered. After a brief stint in the NFL, where he played for the Miami Dolphins and the Green Bay Packers, Heupel transitioned into coaching. He started his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Oklahoma, working under Stoops and learning the intricacies of running a football program. The seeds of his coaching career were planted early on, and Heupel’s deep understanding of the game made him a natural fit for the role.
Heupel’s rise through the coaching ranks was swift. He spent time as the offensive coordinator at various universities, including Oklahoma, where he helped develop dynamic offenses, and at the University of Utah, where he helped turn around the Utes’ offense. However, it wasn’t until he took over the head coaching position at the University of Central Florida (UCF) in 2018 that Heupel began to truly make his mark on the college football world. At UCF, Heupel built an explosive offense that broke records and earned the Knights national attention. Under his leadership, UCF achieved an undefeated season in 2017, a feat that cemented Heupel as one of the brightest young minds in college football coaching.
Heupel’s success at UCF caught the attention of Tennessee, a program looking to reclaim its status as a national powerhouse. In January 2021, Heupel was named the head coach of the Volunteers. The move was seen as a bold decision by Tennessee’s athletic department, as Heupel had no prior ties to the Southeastern Conference (SEC), but his reputation as an offensive mastermind and his ability to develop quarterbacks made him an ideal candidate for the job.
From the very beginning, Heupel embraced the challenge of leading Tennessee back to prominence. He knew that he had a tough road ahead of him, but he was undeterred. Heupel’s coaching philosophy is rooted in fast-paced, high-scoring offenses that put pressure on opposing defenses. He is known for his innovative use of tempo and his ability to adapt to the unique skill sets of his players. In his first season at Tennessee, Heupel brought a sense of optimism and energy to the program. The Volunteers showed considerable improvement, and fans began to see glimpses of the future success that Heupel envisioned for the program.
As Heupel continued to build the Tennessee program, he always kept his faith close. He frequently speaks about the role of faith in his life, acknowledging that his success as a coach is not only the result of hard work and strategy but also of a deep belief in his purpose. Heupel’s faith is a guiding force, and he often credits his family, his mentors, and his players for helping him stay grounded in the midst of the challenges of coaching at the highest level.
“God made Josh Heupel to coach college football” is more than just a saying for Heupel; it is a reflection of his calling. It speaks to his unwavering dedication to the game, his commitment to developing young men both on and off the field, and his belief that football is a platform for positive change. Heupel understands that his role as a coach goes beyond X’s and O’s—it is about building relationships, instilling character, and creating an environment where players can grow both as athletes and as individuals.
As Heupel looks back on his journey from Norman to Knoxville, he is reminded of the people and experiences that have shaped him along the way. From the lessons learned at Oklahoma under Stoops to his time at UCF, each chapter has played a crucial role in preparing Heupel for the challenges of coaching in the SEC. And now, as he continues to lead Tennessee, Heupel is focused on taking the Volunteers to new heights.
The road ahead is filled with challenges, but Heupel remains confident in his ability to lead Tennessee back to prominence. His passion for the game and his belief in his purpose as a coach continue to drive him forward. Heupel’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, faith, and a deep love for the game of football. For Josh Heupel, coaching is not just a job—it’s a calling, and he is answering it every day.
