How I rank Josh Heupel among Tennessee football coaches after 4 seasons might surprise you

How I Rank Josh Heupel Among Tennessee Football Coaches After 4 Seasons Might Surprise You
By [Your Name], Sports Columnist

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — When Josh Heupel was hired as Tennessee’s head football coach in January 2021, the Volunteers program was reeling. NCAA investigations loomed, a wave of transfers had gutted the roster, and morale among fans was at historic lows. The expectations? Manage the chaos, stabilize the program, and—if possible—compete respectably in the SEC East.

Four seasons later, Heupel has done far more than just steady the ship. In fact, based on on-field results, cultural impact, and trajectory, he has placed himself among the more successful and influential coaches in Tennessee football history. And yes, that includes names like Johnny Majors and Phillip Fulmer.

That might sound shocking to traditionalists. But let’s look at the facts.

A Turnaround Built on Offense and Identity

In his debut 2021 season, Heupel inherited a team that many expected to finish near the bottom of the SEC. Instead, Tennessee went 7-6, setting the tone for what would come: an up-tempo, high-octane offensive philosophy that made even elite SEC defenses uncomfortable. The Vols led the conference in total offense that year, a stunning transformation from the plodding, inconsistent attacks of previous seasons.

But it was 2022 that changed everything. Behind quarterback Hendon Hooker, Heupel’s Volunteers surged to an 11-2 finish and a resounding Orange Bowl win over Clemson. They reached No. 1 in the first College Football Playoff rankings, beat Alabama for the first time in 16 years, and rekindled national relevance. Neyland Stadium came alive again, and Tennessee became, for the first time in over a decade, a true contender.

Comparing Heupel to Tennessee Legends

So how does Heupel stack up against the icons of the program?

Let’s start with Phillip Fulmer, the gold standard in modern Tennessee football. Fulmer’s 1998 national championship remains the program’s crowning achievement, and his sustained success over 17 seasons—152 wins, five division titles, and two SEC championships—cements his place at the top. Heupel hasn’t matched that yet, but his winning percentage (.700+) and national impact in Year 2 rival Fulmer’s early trajectory.

Johnny Majors rebuilt Tennessee football in the 1980s, winning three SEC titles. But it took Majors eight seasons to post a double-digit win year in Knoxville. Heupel did it in two.

Even Doug Dickey, often credited with modernizing the Vols in the 1960s, needed time to reshape the roster. Heupel’s turnaround was near-instant.

Then there’s the list of short-lived or underwhelming recent coaches: Derek Dooley, Butch Jones, and Jeremy Pruitt all failed to deliver consistency or big-time wins. Heupel already owns more signature victories and has restored Tennessee’s recruiting profile and national reputation.

Why Heupel Ranks So High—Already

What makes Heupel unique isn’t just the wins; it’s how he’s winning. He’s brought an offensive identity that is distinctly modern, yet sustainable. He’s not chasing SEC powers—he’s forcing them to adjust to him. Tennessee’s ability to stretch the field vertically, play at warp speed, and develop quarterbacks (Hooker, Joe Milton, and now Nico Iamaleava) puts them in position to win consistently in an increasingly offense-driven era of college football.

Culturally, Heupel has reignited a fan base that had grown cynical. He’s leaned into the program’s history while clearly steering it into a bold new future. His players play hard, believe in the system, and have largely stayed out of off-field trouble—a welcome shift.

And unlike some of his predecessors, he’s winning big games. Alabama, Florida (in 2022), LSU on the road, Clemson in a New Year’s Six bowl. Heupel’s record against ranked opponents is better than any Tennessee coach in the past 15 years.

Still Room to Climb

All of this doesn’t mean Heupel is without flaws. His 2023 season was more uneven—9-4, with some frustrating offensive stalls and a loss to Florida that reignited old concerns. And like every coach in the SEC, he’ll ultimately be judged on whether he can win the conference, beat Georgia, and reach the College Football Playoff.

But after four seasons, Heupel has done more to restore Tennessee’s standing than most thought possible. He’s revitalized the brand, brought relevance back to Rocky Top, and laid a foundation that looks built to last.

The Verdict

So where does Heupel rank?

1. Phillip Fulmer – The national title keeps him at the top.

2. Johnny Majors – Three SEC titles and a rebuild make him legendary.

3. Josh Heupel – Already No. 3, and climbing.

4. Doug Dickey

5. Bowden Wyatt