Josh Heupel has helped turn the Tennessee football program from a hot mess into a playoff team in four seasons. He’ll get plenty more time to try to help the Big Orange take a step further in the right direction.
The university announced on Tuesday afternoon that it has reached an agreement with Heupel on an extension until January 2030, meaning he’s under contract for the next five seasons, including the 2025 season about to get underway on Saturday.
The university’s press release had the following statement from AD Danny White:
“The revival of our football program under Josh’s leadership has made everyone in Big Orange Country proud to be a Vol. Josh has brought Tennessee Football back to its rightful place among the nation’s elite programs, and he and his staff have fostered a positive culture within the team. Our commitment to supporting Josh and his staff remains strong and unwavering.”
Heupel’s statement is as follows:
“I greatly appreciate the support of Danny White, President Boyd and Chancellor Plowman. During an era of change in our sport, their leadership and commitment to helping us build a championship football program is strong. We took over a program in 2021 during a turbulent time. We quickly built a resilient, player-driven culture and have enjoyed great success on and off the field, but there is still much left to do. I am excited about the future of Tennessee Football, and I can’t wait to run through the T once again with Vol Nation proudly supporting us.”
I mean, the move is a no-brainer for the school. Every Tennessee fan should be thrilled. Simply think back to the smoldering mess that Jeremy Pruitt and Phillip Fulmer left behind in January 2021. The way that this program has surged over the next four years, where it is now – particularly in a tough SEC – is amazing.
Beating Bama at home the last two times is unreal. Beating Florida at home the last two times is unthinkable given its history in that series. Tennessee is 25-4 at home in his four years, turning Neyland Stadium from a bed & breakfast (thousands of happy visitors regularly served) back to a house of horrors it was for most programs for decades.
Tennessee is in a great spot, and it should only stay that way for the next few seasons with Heupel in control.
