Tennessee Football Head Coach Josh Heupel Rejects $10.5M Offers, Committed to Vols
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — April 17, 2025
In a stunning move that sent shockwaves throughout the college football landscape, Tennessee Football Head Coach Josh Heupel has turned down jaw-dropping offers from two of the sport’s premier programs—Georgia and Notre Dame—to reaffirm his commitment to the Vols. The decision comes after Heupel was reportedly offered a massive $10.5 million deal to leave Knoxville, a testament to his rising stature as one of the nation’s top coaching minds.
Heupel’s decision to remain at Tennessee signals a long-term commitment to a program that has rapidly regained national prominence under his leadership. Following a remarkable 2023 season, where the Vols finished in the top 10 of the college football rankings and secured a prestigious bowl victory, Heupel became one of the most sought-after coaches in the country. Both Georgia and Notre Dame made aggressive pitches to lure him away with offers that were among the highest ever extended to a college football coach.
Despite the financial windfall, Heupel, who has brought Tennessee back to relevance with his high-powered offense and leadership, made it clear that his focus remains firmly on the Vols. “I have no plans beyond being the Head Coach of Tennessee Football,” Heupel stated. “This is where I want to be, and I’m committed to building something special here at Tennessee.”
Since taking over the Vols in 2021, Heupel has transformed the program with his innovative offensive schemes, turning Tennessee into a contender in the SEC. His ability to develop quarterbacks and cultivate explosive offenses has made the Vols one of the most entertaining teams in the country, and Heupel’s influence on the recruiting trail has helped elevate Tennessee’s talent pool.
While Georgia, with its dominant defense and recent national championship success, and Notre Dame, a perennial powerhouse, represent enticing opportunities, Heupel’s decision to remain in Knoxville highlights the confidence he has in the direction of the Tennessee program.
The announcement has been met with widespread applause from Tennessee fans and university officials, who now see Heupel as the cornerstone of the program’s future. As he continues to build on Tennessee’s success, the Vols are poised to be one of the top teams in the SEC for years to come, with Heupel firmly at the helm.