So now we see Heupel's final exam coming

[VFL-82-JP]

You know, everyone here is confident in Josh Heupel. The man's a football guru, and a talented leader. One might even say visionary.

But for any coach in his first few years, there are two big tests:

Test 1: Is the coach more than just his star player?

Joe Burrow defined Orgeron at LSU; without him, Ed wasn't much. Same could be argued for Jimbo Fisher at Florida State, thanks to Jameis Winston. Or Kevin Sumlin at A&M, thanks to Johnny Manziel.

Great coaches, on the other hand, are able to find and develop talent over and over. There are ups and downs, but great coaches find a way to keep reloading.

Test 2: Is the coach more than just the CEO for his offensive and defensive coordinators?

Phil Fulmer with and without David Cutcliffe is a prime example. There are plenty of others.

How will Josh do without Alex? Most of us figure he'll do fine, but you don't know until you see it.

Final Exam: combine both those key tests into a single off-season. That's what Josh faces starting next month. Losing Hendon and Alex is a double dose of challenge.

I think he's going to pass with flying colors. I think we're just going to keep rolling. Now that Josh knows exactly where Joe Milton needs work, and has an entire year to focus on him as the likely starter. And with (probably) Joey moving to OC/QB coach, think there's more continuity than change there, as well.

I don't mean to skip past the Orange Bowl. Really looking forward to it. But there's a lot of fun to follow even after it's over.

Go Vols!

 

[BIGORANGEBUBBA]

With the losses of key personnel and Golesh personally an 8 win season is a success to me. There will be a step back but then have a spring board to huge success in 24 hopefully.

 

[Jeff Clark]

I think Tennessee will have a built in excuse if they lose the Orange Bowl or whatever bowl game they go to. That excuse is they're beat all to hell on both sides of the ball. I think Tennessee will win a close game in whatever bowl game they happen to go to.

 

[DonDiego]

Anybody know if Golesh is coaching the bowl game? I'm not convinced that CJH isn't the primary force behind this offense, but having Golesh in the booth is helpful, I'd think. I suppose he's more than likely gone so he can recruit.

 

[vol94]

Heupel was aware that he most likely would need a new OC after this season. I’m sure he has some names in his hat, including internal candidates.

I’m curious to see if Heup waits until after the bowl game to announce his new OC. Plus, will he make any defensive staff changes?

I think Heup’l will be successful as long as he can correct the defensive side of the ball and recruit at a high level. Also TN can’t lose to inferior teams as that will cost us them for playoff chances.

I think Heup understands good leaders surround themselves with great people and TN has all the resources with a rabid fan base.
Go Vols!

 

[BigALWiLson]

I don't see the Orange Bowl as an exam at all. I see it as a reward yet an opportunity to finish the season strong and gain momentum going into 23. Extra practice time, good experience for guys who havent played and a chance for the future foundation to be in a huge moment with big time implications. Nothing more than that. This paves the way into the next several years and will mold leaders.

 

[amstelman]

I think CJH is ready for the test.

It seems he has always had a core group around him that know each other very well. This indicates to me also that Halzle is in as new OC. Can he coach QBs as well? This certainly will be a key decision for the HC.

 

[Grouse Stalker]

Recruiting new coaches will be Heupel's true test. He started with his initial core. Now the OC has moved on to a bigger opportunity, and the fans are clamoring for the heads of the DC and DB coach.

Saban has been able to maintain the program by continually bringing in top coaching/recruiting talent. Im not csrtain, but has he missed on a hire yet? I don't think so and it's because he has so many guys wanting to work under him because of the doors that are opened. He has the pick of the litter every time because his assistants get jobs better than a directional school. Maintaining top coaching and recruiting talent will be the key for Heupel because you can get left behind in a hurry in this league.

 

[LexVol71]

You know, everyone here is confident in Josh Heupel. The man's a football guru, and a talented leader. One might even say visionary.

But for any coach in his first few years, there are two big tests:

Test 1: Is the coach more than just his star player?

There are ups and downs, but great coaches find a way to keep reloading.

Test 2: Is the coach more than just the CEO for his offensive and defensive coordinators?

Most of us figure he'll do fine, but you don't know until you see it.

Final Exam: combine both those key tests into a single off-season. That's what Josh faces starting next month. Losing Hendon and Alex is a double dose of challenge.

I think he's going to pass with flying colors. I think we're just going to keep rolling. Now that Josh knows exactly where Joe Milton needs work, and has an entire year to focus on him as the likely starter. And with (probably) Joey moving to OC/QB coach, think there's more continuity than change there, as well.

I don't mean to skip past the Orange Bowl. Really looking forward to it. But there's a lot of fun to follow even after it's over.

Go Vols!

Test 1:
As to concerns about reloading, what do you think Heupel did when he got here?

Test 2:
If you look back at Heupel's record, he did very well at UCF before Golesh arrived. This is Heupel's offense. Golesh just ran it within the parameters the head coach set for him.

Final exam.
As you've defined it, let's not take our eyes off the ball here. Hooker is a very special player the likes of which don't come along every day. We need to measure our expectations accordingly. Golesh, I love the guy to death, but honestly, he's replaceable. Next year could be a bit down compared to this year, but at this point in our team's maturity, that's just the nature of the game.

 

[WillisWG]

Let's call it the next exam instead

 

[Vanhalo]

Rectal?
or
Dental?