Tennessee Coach Josh Heupel Discusses His Return to Oklahoma.
Michigan State recruit Di’Mari Malone’s powerful run against Anchor Bay
Twenty-five years ago, it was clear that Josh Heupel was destined to lead a college football program. As the son of a successful coach and a quarterback who led Oklahoma to a national championship in just two years, Heupel’s future was already set.
However, no one could have anticipated that Heupel would be at the helm of the Tennessee Volunteers for their 2024 Southeastern Conference opener against his former team, the storied Oklahoma Sooners.
On Monday, Heupel addressed his time as a legendary Sooner, his role as an assistant under Bob Stoops, and his collaboration with current OU coach Brent Venables. Heupel expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity given to him by Mike Leach in 1998, which allowed him to transfer from junior college to Oklahoma and profoundly impact Sooner football.
Reflecting on his journey, Heupel shared, “I’m incredibly thankful for the chance Bob and Mike gave me to play there and what we achieved in such a short period. My coaching career has been shaped by all the people I’ve worked with, and I wouldn’t be where I am today at Tennessee without those experiences.”
Heupel anticipates that Saturday’s game at 6:30 p.m. between the No. 6-ranked Vols and the No. 15 Sooners will be an unprecedented experience. “It’ll be unique,” he said. “I haven’t been on the opposing sideline at that stadium before, even for a scrimmage, so it will definitely be different. But I’m really looking forward to it.”
Stoops announced on social media that he would not be giving interviews this week to avoid any appearance of favoritism towards Heupel, whom he regards highly, or Venables, who is considered part of the Stoops family.
Heupel expressed his eagerness to reconnect with former teammates, coaches, and staff. “There are so many people who have been crucial to my journey, and I’m excited to hopefully reconnect with many of them,” he said. “It starts with teammates and extends to coaches and personnel I’ve known and respected.”
Venables shares a similar sentiment about Heupel, acknowledging his impact on the program. “I’m thrilled for Josh and happy to see him succeed,” Venables said. “Even though the head coaches won’t be on the field making plays, it’s clear how much respect I have for Josh and his contribution to our success. This will be a great moment for both teams, and I’m sure the fans will show their appreciation.”
Heupel also has great respect for Venables, praising his influence on him as a young coach. “Brent is someone I learned a lot from and deeply respect,” Heupel noted. “He’s outstanding as a defensive coordinator, and we’re looking forward to the challenge he presents.”
As Heupel prepares for the game, he knows he’ll face a raucous crowd, especially after ESPN’s “College GameDay” visits the campus for the first time in 12 years. Heupel, familiar with the intensity from his previous experiences, joked about the expected atmosphere.
“It should be an exciting crowd. I’m expecting them to be extremely quiet for us, out of respect for me and our program,” Heupel said with a smile.
