Depending on your perspective, Tennessee coach Josh Heupel is either an open-minded, offensive genius or a bit stuck in a rut created by his own offensive success. With spring practice quickly approaching, what will be Heupel’s next wrinkle, if he has one?
Of course, offensive coordinator Joey Halzle and Tennessee’s other offensive coaches will have a say in the matter, but this is Heupel’s offense. Just ask any of the coaches who have tried to get a spot on Heupel’s staff. Don’t even bother printing a resume. Heupel is too paranoid, likely from his untimely dismissal as Oklahoma’s offensive coordinator, to bring others in.
Heupel likes to keep things in house and be in control. All of his offensive coaches have been elevated within the program during his tenure at Tennessee except for running backs coach De’Rail Sims, often times from a lowly analyst position. Is that what the Vols’ offense really needs, or do they need something a bit different?
Perhaps Jon Gruden can take a look at Tennessee when it has the ball since the former NFL coach-turned-pariah will be UT’s featured speaker during its annual coaching clinic this spring. The decision to host Gruden is still befuddling to me. Nevertheless, the Vols could always use a new set of eyes after two seasons of not reaching fan expectations, which can often times be too lofty. However, they don’t need to make any sort of drastic coaching change.
I, for one, have no problem with how Heupel has guided the Vols during his tenure. Tennessee was No. 2 in the SEC in total offense in 2021, No. 1 in the SEC in 2022, No. 7 in the SEC in 2023 and No. 2 last season. It’s hard to see an issue.
The only time the Vols slipped outside the top two of the SEC during Heupel’s tenure is when he was hamstrung with a quarterback, Joe Milton Jr., who wasn’t adept at running the system. It’s not that Milton wasn’t prepared; he just didn’t have the skill set.
Last season, Tennessee also struggled offensively early when injuries cropped up on the offensive line in preseason camp.
This is undoubtedly a big year for Halzle, who took over as offensive coordinator when Alex Golesh left for South Florida following the 2022 season. If the Vols are middle of the pack in the SEC this season, there’s cause for concern. However, based on recent history, that’s won’t likely be the case.
