Josh Heupel Named National Coach of the Year After Leading Tennessee to Historic College Football Playoff Run…read more…

Josh Heupel Named National Coach of the Year After Leading Tennessee to Historic College Football Playoff Run…read more…

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel has been named National Coach of the Year, a fitting honor after a historic 2024 season in which he led the Vols to their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance and reignited a powerhouse program.

Heupel, in just his fourth season at the helm, guided Tennessee to a 10–3 record, an SEC East co-championship, and a playoff berth—unthinkable just a few seasons ago when the program was struggling through a 3–7 campaign. His innovative offense, unwavering leadership, and commitment to player development have transformed Tennessee into one of the most feared teams in the country.

“This award is a testament to the players, the staff, and the incredible support from our fans,” Heupel said in a press release. “We’ve built something special here at Tennessee, and we’re just getting started.”

Since arriving in Knoxville in 2021, Heupel has engineered a remarkable turnaround. Known for his high-octane, up-tempo offense, he’s consistently produced one of the nation’s top scoring units. But in 2024, it was Tennessee’s improved defense and discipline that pushed the program into elite territory.

The Vols reached the College Football Playoff as the No. 4 seed, facing off against Ohio State in the semifinals. While Tennessee came up short in that matchup, the mere appearance in the playoff was a massive step forward for a program that had long been trying to climb back into the national spotlight.

“Josh Heupel has brought stability, excitement, and excellence back to Tennessee football,” said Athletic Director Danny White. “His vision, culture, and player-first approach have reshaped our program. This award is well-deserved, and the future under his leadership is bright.”

The season was not without challenges. Most notably, Heupel and his staff had to navigate the surprise mid-offseason transfer of starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava to UCLA amid NIL complications. Despite the upheaval, Heupel kept the team focused and competitive, rallying behind a young but talented core.

Heupel’s success has not gone unnoticed in the broader college football community. In addition to the National Coach of the Year honor, he has been named a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Award and was selected to the 2026 College Football Hall of Fame ballot, highlighting his impact as both a coach and former national champion quarterback at Oklahoma.

The award caps a milestone year for Tennessee, who now look ahead to the 2025 season with high expectations. With a strong recruiting class and several key returners on both sides of the ball, the Vols are poised to remain a fixture in the national title conversation.

For Heupel, the recognition affirms that his process works—and that Tennessee football is officially back.

“I couldn’t be prouder of how far we’ve come,” Heupel said. “But trust me, we’re not done. The best is still ahead for the Tennessee Volunteers.”