Tennessee Coach Josh Heupel Isn’t Afraid to Discuss How Oklahoma Shaped His Journey…read more…

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Tennessee Coach Josh Heupel Isn’t Afraid to Discuss How Oklahoma Shaped His Journey…read more…

NORMAN, Okla. — When Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel returned to Oklahoma in September 2024 to lead the Volunteers against his alma mater, the game was more than just a marquee non-conference matchup — it was a full-circle moment in a career shaped by triumph, adversity, and personal growth.

Heupel, who quarterbacked the Oklahoma Sooners to a national championship in 2000 under Bob Stoops, remains a revered figure in the program’s storied history. His performance that season earned him a Heisman Trophy runner-up spot and cemented his legacy in Norman. Yet his departure from Oklahoma’s coaching staff in 2015, after serving as co-offensive coordinator, was less celebratory. Despite the complicated ending, Heupel has never shied away from discussing how those experiences laid the groundwork for his current success at Tennessee.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without Oklahoma,” Heupel told reporters following Tennessee’s 25–15 victory over the Sooners. “The people, the coaches, the fans — that place taught me what winning looks like. But it also taught me resilience when things don’t go your way.”

That resilience has defined Heupel’s coaching path. After Oklahoma, he rebuilt his reputation with stops at Utah State and Missouri before landing the head coaching job at UCF. His offensive philosophy flourished, leading to his hire by Tennessee in 2021. Since then, Heupel has revitalized the Volunteers’ program, bringing national attention back to Knoxville with a fast-paced, high-scoring offense and a culture of accountability.

Returning to Norman as the opposing coach was “surreal,” Heupel admitted. “Walking through that tunnel, seeing the crimson and cream, the fans — there’s so much emotion tied to that place for me. But once the ball kicks off, it’s about your team. And I’m proud of what our guys did.”

The win marked Tennessee’s first road victory over a top-15 opponent since 2006, a milestone Heupel called “a huge step” for the program. “This was a maturity test,” he said. “Our guys had to handle the environment, stay composed, and execute. I thought we did that, and it speaks volumes about our growth.”

In the locker room after the game, Heupel delivered an emotional speech, praising his players’ poise and perseverance. “I love this group,” he told them. “You’ve earned every bit of this.”

While some might expect bitterness or lingering frustration from his departure from Oklahoma, Heupel carries none of it. “I’ve only got love for OU,” he said. “Not everything in this profession goes the way you want it to. But those years helped shape how I lead today — how I connect with players, how I build staff, how I prepare. I’m grateful for every chapter.”

As Tennessee continues its rise under Heupel’s guidance, the coach’s willingness to embrace the past while forging ahead reflects a broader theme in college football — that experience, even when difficult, can be the foundation for success.

For Josh Heupel, Oklahoma isn’t just a part of his story — it’s the beginning of it.

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