KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — May 9, 2025 — In a major move signaling long-term stability and confidence in the direction of Tennessee football, the University of Tennessee has officially signed head coach Josh Heupel to a 10-year contract extension, the school announced Friday.
The deal, which extends Heupel’s tenure through the 2035 season, is reportedly worth over $90 million, placing him among the highest-paid coaches in college football. This landmark agreement comes after a resurgence in the Volunteers program under Heupel’s leadership, marked by a dynamic offense, high national rankings, and a reinvigorated fan base.
“Coach Heupel has done an outstanding job building our program with integrity, energy, and a championship mindset,” said Tennessee Athletic Director Danny White in a statement. “This extension reflects our belief in his leadership and our commitment to sustained success on and off the field.”
Heupel, who took over the Volunteers in 2021 following a stint at UCF, has quickly turned Tennessee into a powerhouse in the SEC. After a breakout 11-2 campaign in 2022 that included a win over Alabama and an Orange Bowl victory over Clemson, Heupel has continued to recruit at a high level and produce one of the most exciting offenses in college football.
“I’m incredibly grateful to be part of this great university and proud of what we’ve built so far,” Heupel said. “This is just the beginning. We’re building something special here in Knoxville, and I’m thrilled to be here for the long haul.”
The long-term commitment comes amid increased interest in Heupel from other programs and even NFL organizations. Tennessee’s administration moved swiftly to lock in their coach, ensuring program continuity and recruiting stability.
With this extension, Heupel becomes one of just a few college football coaches with contracts extending into the mid-2030s, joining the likes of Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer and Georgia’s Kirby Smart. His deal includes performance bonuses tied to postseason success, SEC championships, and academic benchmarks.
Vol Nation erupted on social media Friday, with fans expressing overwhelming support for the move. With a talented roster, top-tier facilities, and now a long-term coaching commitment, Tennessee appears well-positioned to continue competing at the highest level.
As the Volunteers head into the 2025 season with championship aspirations, one thing is clear: Josh Heupel will be leading the charge in Knoxville for years to come.
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