Breaking: Tennessee Men’s Head Coach Josh Heupel Earns AP Men’s Football Coach of the Year Honors for the Third Consecutive Year
In a remarkable achievement that has solidified his place among the coaching elite, Tennessee Volunteers Head Coach Josh Heupel has been named the Associated Press (AP) Men’s Football Coach of the Year for the third consecutive year. This historic feat not only underscores Heupel’s transformative impact on the University of Tennessee’s football program but also marks one of the most dominant coaching runs in recent college football memory.
When Heupel first arrived in Knoxville in 2021, the Tennessee football program was in a period of uncertainty and transition. Coming off NCAA investigations and a string of disappointing seasons, few could have predicted the rapid turnaround that would follow. Yet, under Heupel’s leadership, the Volunteers have experienced a meteoric rise back to national prominence, combining an explosive offense, disciplined defense, and a winning culture that has captured the hearts of fans across the country.
What makes Heupel’s three-year reign as Coach of the Year even more impressive is the consistency with which his teams have performed. Each season has brought new challenges—injuries, roster turnover, and the pressure of high expectations—but Heupel has guided his team with poise and strategic brilliance. The 2024 season in particular showcased his adaptability and innovation. Despite losing key players to the NFL and dealing with mid-season injuries, Heupel kept the Volunteers focused and competitive, leading them to a 12-1 record and a top-five national ranking.
The foundation of Heupel’s success has been his signature up-tempo offensive system, which has become one of the most feared in the country. Tennessee’s offense, which consistently ranks among the nation’s best in total yards and scoring, reflects Heupel’s philosophy of aggression, creativity, and tempo. Quarterbacks under his guidance have thrived, with several setting school records and garnering national attention, a testament to Heupel’s ability to develop talent and scheme effectively.
But Heupel’s excellence goes beyond just X’s and O’s. He has rebuilt a culture at Tennessee centered on accountability, resilience, and unity. Players consistently speak of the trust and respect they have for their coach, crediting him for creating a supportive environment that pushes them to excel both on and off the field. Recruiting has also flourished under Heupel, with top prospects from around the country now viewing Tennessee as a premier destination.
The three consecutive AP Coach of the Year honors are more than just accolades—they’re evidence of a sustained commitment to excellence. Few coaches have achieved such a streak, and Heupel now joins a very short list of names who have dominated the college football coaching landscape over a multi-year span. His success has drawn comparisons to legends of the game, and speculation has already begun about how high his ceiling might be—perhaps even a future national championship.
Athletic Director Danny White praised Heupel in a statement following the announcement: “Josh has completely transformed our football program. His vision, leadership, and integrity have reignited the Volunteer spirit and brought Tennessee football back to where it belongs—among the nation’s elite.”
For Tennessee fans, Heupel’s continued recognition is a source of immense pride and optimism. After years of struggle, the Volunteers are once again a force to be reckoned with, and the man behind the revival shows no signs of slowing down.
As the offseason begins and preparations for the next chapter take shape, one thing is clear: Josh Heupel has firmly established himself as not just the best coach in the SEC, but one of the best in the entire country. His third consecutive AP Coach of the Year award is a milestone in an already impressive career—and a signal that Tennessee football
is here to stay.