Tennessee’s new coach, Josh Heupel, it’s likely he won’t be privy to their remarks. It’s essential for the vocal faction of Tennessee’s fanbase, known for their inclination towards negativity, to understand one thing upfront—Josh Heupel isn’t particularly concerned about their social media musings.
Heupel’s appointment at Tennessee received a lukewarm reception from fans who, just three years prior, had managed to set the program back significantly due to their discontent with a previous coaching selection. The ensuing Twitter backlash, coupled with ineffectual leadership from the administration, resulted in the hiring of a severely underqualified coach (Jeremy Pruitt) and an athletic director with laughable credentials (Phil Fulmer).
Josh Heupel poised to guide Tennessee to the College Football Playoff? It’s doubtful. Given the current state of Tennessee’s program, roster, and impending NCAA sanctions, harboring playoff aspirations is akin to banking on retirement through $1 scratch-off tickets. Instead, Tennessee has acquired a coach who promises to establish a clear team identity—characterized by potent quarterback play, an up-tempo style of play, and relentless aggression. Equally significant is Heupel’s ability to bring a level of competence, resilience, and indifference to the hyperbolic reactions of the fanbase.
“He doesn’t spend much time on his phone,” remarked Texas Tech coach Matt Wells to Yahoo Sports. “Whether it’s text messages or Twitter, external noise and distractions that aren’t related to quarterback performance, winning, or recruiting don’t hold much significance for Josh. He possesses a unique ability to prioritize and focus on what truly matters on a daily basis.”
In Josh Heupel, Tennessee has secured a coach who staunchly eschews frivolity. He honed these characteristics as the son of a high school coach in South Dakota and as a former JUCO quarterback who later clinched a national championship and finished as a Heisman Trophy runner-up at Oklahoma in 2000.
