Tennessee football fans are furious after another frustrating season that has left the Volunteers far from living up to their potential. With the 2024 season now in the rearview mirror, many supporters are calling for significant changes to the coaching staff in preparation for the 2025 season. Head coach Josh Heupel, who took over the reins in 2021 and initially brought new hope to Knoxville with an explosive offense, now faces mounting pressure to address the program’s stagnation and make difficult decisions to restore Tennessee to championship contention.
The 2024 season, which promised so much after a successful 2023 campaign, ended in disappointment. The Volunteers entered the season with high expectations, fueled by a top-tier offense led by quarterback Joe Milton and a talented roster. However, inconsistencies on both sides of the ball, combined with poor game management, resulted in Tennessee finishing with a lackluster record that fell short of fans’ aspirations. For a program with a rich history and passionate fanbase, the season’s outcome was seen as a missed opportunity, and fans are now demanding accountability.
One of the biggest points of contention among Tennessee fans is the performance of the defensive staff. Despite some flashes of brilliance, the Volunteers’ defense struggled throughout the season, allowing too many big plays and failing to contain key opponents. Tennessee’s defense ranked in the lower half of the SEC, and its inability to stop high-powered offenses during critical moments ultimately cost the team in several games. The defensive coaching staff, led by coordinator Tim Banks, has come under fire for failing to implement consistent schemes and failing to adjust to in-game situations. Fans have criticized Banks for the defense’s inability to prevent explosive plays, and many are calling for Heupel to make a change at defensive coordinator for the 2025 season.
Offensively, while Tennessee’s high-tempo system remains potent, there have been signs of stagnation. Despite the talent at quarterback with Joe Milton and an explosive receiving corps, the offense struggled at times to maintain consistency, particularly in key games against tough SEC opponents. The offensive line, once a strength for the Volunteers, had problems with pass protection and creating running lanes. Offensive coordinator Alex Golesh, who has received praise in the past for his innovative approach, is now facing scrutiny as fans question whether he has been able to adapt the offense to maximize the team’s strengths. Many fans feel that Tennessee’s offense has become predictable, with the same play calling leading to a lack of creativity in big moments.
The frustration from fans has been palpable on social media, with a growing number of Tennessee supporters urging Heupel to make significant staff changes for 2025. “The defense has been a mess under Tim Banks for two years. It’s time for a new direction,” wrote one fan on a popular Vols forum. “If we want to compete for championships, we need to make big changes to the coaching staff. We can’t keep making excuses.” Another fan chimed in, “Offensive play-calling has become stale. We need someone who can be more dynamic and keep opponents on their toes.”
The pressure on Heupel is compounded by the success of other SEC programs. Rivals like Georgia, Alabama, and LSU have all shown sustained excellence, and Tennessee’s inability to break through has become a major point of frustration. Fans are tired of hearing about moral victories and are demanding tangible results. Many point to the fact that Tennessee has struggled to win crucial games against top-tier teams, especially in the SEC, where the competition is fierce. While Heupel has brought a fresh offensive identity to Tennessee, the inability to compete at the highest level has fans questioning his ability to build a championship-caliber team.
With the 2025 season on the horizon, the clock is ticking for Heupel and his staff. The Tennessee athletic department has remained relatively silent about any potential changes to the coaching staff, but the pressure is mounting. Heupel, who has shown an ability to lead the team to competitive performances in his first few years as head coach, must now prove that he is capable of making the necessary adjustments to take the program to the next level. The fans’ frustration is understandable; Tennessee has not been able to contend for a conference title since the early 2000s, and there is a growing sense of urgency to reverse that trend.
To meet these expectations, Heupel may need to make the tough call to shake up his coaching staff. Whether it’s parting ways with coordinators or making a change in positional coaching roles, the program must evolve if it is to regain its prominence in the SEC. Heupel will also need to take a hard look at the team’s recruiting efforts, particularly in areas where the Vols have been outmatched by their SEC rivals. Only by addressing these internal concerns can Tennessee hope to make a return to national prominence.
In the coming months, as the offseason progresses, Tennessee fans will be watching closely to see if their calls for change are heeded. With the 2025 season fast approaching, the pressure on Josh Heupel to make decisive moves will only intensify. The future of Tennessee football depends on whether Heupel can bring about the necessary changes and lead the Volunteers back to relevance in the SEC and on the national stage. Until then, the anger and frustration of Tennessee fans will continue to grow louder.
