Why are people mad at Heupel?

[Golfprovol]

Nico had zero time to do anything all year. No time for separation for the receivers to get open. They were a joke for a majority of the season. And besides heard there isn’t a recruit that we’ve recruited in heups 4 years of being here that’s done well at all. Hopefully with Sanders that changes. But I haven’t been impressed with our oline development over the entirety of the Heupel era.

Nico had more time than Hendon did. He held the ball almostva second longer.

 

[VOLfrombama]

Not mad but definitely frustrated.


the Pope stuff started because of rumors of division in the WR room while being inconsistent as a group at best. Not getting Mike Matthews on the field when Squirrel had 1 good arm and Skillethands Nimrod couldn’t catch a cold falls on him too.

the Ellarbee stuff started because he still hasn't put one of his recruits on the field. the Halzle stuff started because the offense can’t get out of its own way in the passing game and it really has taken a step or two back instead of getting better in 2 years. They ran the ball well but the passing game was all over the place and mostly bad.

I think anyone who wants to see the Vols take the next step forward would say all 3 of those coaches need to be the first ones to do it.

 

[feathersax]

Because, unfortunately, some so-called Vol fans would rather win 3-7 games per season, instead of 10, just so they can feel comfortable in their sadness, which is their happiness

John Majors dubbed such as 'Legion of the Miserable'. They love to wallow in it & say "I told you so" when Tennessee struggles.

 

[Oldvoldad]

I have seen many people getting upset at Heupel for not firing his staff, but he has not had to. The defense has improved, so he has not had to fire anyone on that side of the ball. On the offensive side, we have regressed, but we had a QB last year that could not hit a mid-range ball and a Qb this year in his first year of playing and he rarely hit deep balls. This severely limits offensive playcalling and gives defensive an advantage because they do not have to worry about the deep ball, etc. Also, I am just going to say Heupel's achievements so far again.

Came into a 3-7 team with the entire team transferred out and scholarship limitations (that we still have)
Only UT coach to beat Saban and ended the 15-year streak against the former Heisman-winning QB.
Ended the streak vs Florida
Undefeated vs Florida and Bama at home
Two #1 rated Qb out of highschool in the last 3 classes.
Has had two top ten recruiting classes which is the best sense 2014 and 2015.
First TN coach to make playoffs
One loss at home in last 3 years.

I know we got blown out by OSU and are losing players in the transfer portal. But, I trust Heupel running the program

Because people here know what’s best. That’s why this site was created. People need to listen to Volnation if they want to win Championships and dominate their sport.

 

[TJVol95]

I have seen many people getting upset at Heupel for not firing his staff, but he has not had to. The defense has improved, so he has not had to fire anyone on that side of the ball. On the offensive side, we have regressed, but we had a QB last year that could not hit a mid-range ball and a Qb this year in his first year of playing and he rarely hit deep balls. This severely limits offensive playcalling and gives defensive an advantage because they do not have to worry about the deep ball, etc. Also, I am just going to say Heupel's achievements so far again.

Came into a 3-7 team with the entire team transferred out and scholarship limitations (that we still have)
Only UT coach to beat Saban and ended the 15-year streak against the former Heisman-winning QB.
Ended the streak vs Florida
Undefeated vs Florida and Bama at home
Two #1 rated Qb out of highschool in the last 3 classes.
Has had two top ten recruiting classes which is the best sense 2014 and 2015.
First TN coach to make playoffs
One loss at home in last 3 years.

I know we got blown out by OSU and are losing players in the transfer portal. But, I trust Heupel running the program

O line stinks and he’s not doing much to improve it

 

[Oldvoldad]

O line stinks and he’s not doing much to improve it

Recruiting the top lineman in the country to follow up on a strong class from last year isn't doing much?

 

[BigOrangeTrain]

WE HAVE ZERO DEPTH ! WE DONT ACTUALLY COMPETE

What was our record this past season?

 

[unfrozencvmanvol]

I have seen many people getting upset at Heupel for not firing his staff, but he has not had to. The defense has improved, so he has not had to fire anyone on that side of the ball. On the offensive side, we have regressed, but we had a QB last year that could not hit a mid-range ball and a Qb this year in his first year of playing and he rarely hit deep balls. This severely limits offensive playcalling and gives defensive an advantage because they do not have to worry about the deep ball, etc. Also, I am just going to say Heupel's achievements so far again.

Came into a 3-7 team with the entire team transferred out and scholarship limitations (that we still have)
Only UT coach to beat Saban and ended the 15-year streak against the former Heisman-winning QB.
Ended the streak vs Florida
Undefeated vs Florida and Bama at home
Two #1 rated Qb out of highschool in the last 3 classes.
Has had two top ten recruiting classes which is the best sense 2014 and 2015.
First TN coach to make playoffs
One loss at home in last 3 years.

I know we got blown out by OSU and are losing players in the transfer portal. But, I trust Heupel running the program

Because people are idiots.

 

[BigOrangeTrain]

O line stinks and he’s not doing much to improve it

No it doesn’t

 

[GetEmVols]

I have seen many people getting upset at Heupel for not firing his staff, but he has not had to. The defense has improved, so he has not had to fire anyone on that side of the ball. On the offensive side, we have regressed, but we had a QB last year that could not hit a mid-range ball and a Qb this year in his first year of playing and he rarely hit deep balls. This severely limits offensive playcalling and gives defensive an advantage because they do not have to worry about the deep ball, etc. Also, I am just going to say Heupel's achievements so far again.

Came into a 3-7 team with the entire team transferred out and scholarship limitations (that we still have)
Only UT coach to beat Saban and ended the 15-year streak against the former Heisman-winning QB.
Ended the streak vs Florida
Undefeated vs Florida and Bama at home
Two #1 rated Qb out of highschool in the last 3 classes.
Has had two top ten recruiting classes which is the best sense 2014 and 2015.
First TN coach to make playoffs
One loss at home in last 3 years.

I know we got blown out by OSU and are losing players in the transfer portal. But, I trust Heupel running the program

Ohio state fans and media wanted to fire Ryan Day like 3 weeks ago and now they are natty winners more than likely

 

[livefaith]

OP, have you ever seen one of those kids in the grocery store that doesn't get the candy bar or cookie when they get to the checkout register? The picture massive fit flail around sitting the floor Indian style and smack the tile because they didn't get what they wanted. Then Mama give some something just to shut him up and stop the embarrassment.
Picture that and then compare it to the way some adults act when they don't get what they want out of their sports team. Those kids grow up to be adults believe it or not.

 

[BearBryant]

I have seen many people getting upset at Heupel for not firing his staff, but he has not had to. The defense has improved, so he has not had to fire anyone on that side of the ball. On the offensive side, we have regressed, but we had a QB last year that could not hit a mid-range ball and a Qb this year in his first year of playing and he rarely hit deep balls. This severely limits offensive playcalling and gives defensive an advantage because they do not have to worry about the deep ball, etc. Also, I am just going to say Heupel's achievements so far again.

Came into a 3-7 team with the entire team transferred out and scholarship limitations (that we still have)
Only UT coach to beat Saban and ended the 15-year streak against the former Heisman-winning QB.
Ended the streak vs Florida
Undefeated vs Florida and Bama at home
Two #1 rated Qb out of highschool in the last 3 classes.
Has had two top ten recruiting classes which is the best sense 2014 and 2015.
First TN coach to make playoffs
One loss at home in last 3 years.

I know we got blown out by OSU and are losing players in the transfer portal. But, I trust Heupel running the program

I agree, Why?

 

[jasonvol18]

I have seen many people getting upset at Heupel for not firing his staff, but he has not had to. The defense has improved, so he has not had to fire anyone on that side of the ball. On the offensive side, we have regressed, but we had a QB last year that could not hit a mid-range ball and a Qb this year in his first year of playing and he rarely hit deep balls. This severely limits offensive playcalling and gives defensive an advantage because they do not have to worry about the deep ball, etc. Also, I am just going to say Heupel's achievements so far again.

Came into a 3-7 team with the entire team transferred out and scholarship limitations (that we still have)
Only UT coach to beat Saban and ended the 15-year streak against the former Heisman-winning QB.
Ended the streak vs Florida
Undefeated vs Florida and Bama at home
Two #1 rated Qb out of highschool in the last 3 classes.
Has had two top ten recruiting classes which is the best sense 2014 and 2015.
First TN coach to make playoffs
One loss at home in last 3 years.

I know we got blown out by OSU and are losing players in the transfer portal. But, I trust Heupel running the program

The issue with the offense is far from being on Nico. The WR's dropped tons of balls, the Oline can't pass protect to save their lives and play calling has become predictable. We definitely have a better defensive staff than offensive. It's not up to me obviously, but I'd love to see an upgrade at WR and Oline Coach. A veteran Playcaller that can incorporate his plays with Heup's would be great too, but highly doubt that happens. I mean, watching our offense last year, I could tell what was coming and I don't know anything about calling plays. The WR's haven't developed and their drops have been problematic. It's definitely not just one thing and blame can be shared by Nico too.

 

[smoltie29``]

I believe some people are just disappointed that our offense hasn't been what they thought it would be. They saw how good it was in the first two years, and just imagined how good it would be when he got his recruits, his quarterback in that system. For some reason it has gotten worse. I don't think people are mad at Heupel. I just think the excitement they had has turned into a bit more concern that maybe that system has been figured out. JMO.

 

[Brave Volunteer]

Up to now, the only assistant that I am questioning is Elarbee. It's year 5 not one single offensive lineman that he's recruited out of high school has cracked the starting lineup. They've all either been Pruitt recruits or transfers. I thought the overall performance of our o-line was a giant disappointment in 2024.

 

[Volfanstucknga]

I'm not angry at Heupel...BUT...
I am concerned over a couple areas.
1) Team prepared better at the beginning. Too many slow starts this season.
2) Specific game plans per opponent. In the play-offs I've watched some very creative plays on offense. They worked because they exposed a weakness in the opposing defense. I don't know if I watched one "new play" designed to catch Ohio State off-guard. Even going back to UGA, I don't remember seeing creativity to try and hit big plays. The plays and play calling have become predictable. You still can succeed with that. It's still hat on hat, but you need to get the D playing on their heels more.

 

[TennesseeTarheel]

It's just that some people would complain if they were hung with a new rope.

 

[GetYouSomeofThat]

I have seen many people getting upset at Heupel for not firing his staff, but he has not had to. The defense has improved, so he has not had to fire anyone on that side of the ball. On the offensive side, we have regressed, but we had a QB last year that could not hit a mid-range ball and a Qb this year in his first year of playing and he rarely hit deep balls. This severely limits offensive playcalling and gives defensive an advantage because they do not have to worry about the deep ball, etc. Also, I am just going to say Heupel's achievements so far again.

Came into a 3-7 team with the entire team transferred out and scholarship limitations (that we still have)
Only UT coach to beat Saban and ended the 15-year streak against the former Heisman-winning QB.
Ended the streak vs Florida
Undefeated vs Florida and Bama at home
Two #1 rated Qb out of highschool in the last 3 classes.
Has had two top ten recruiting classes which is the best sense 2014 and 2015.
First TN coach to make playoffs
One loss at home in last 3 years.

I know we got blown out by OSU and are losing players in the transfer portal. But, I trust Heupel running the program

Lots of low IQ, low EQ, and immature people exist in the world today. The numbers dictate that some will be a part of every fanbase.

 

[StickMan]

WE HAVE ZERO DEPTH ! WE DONT ACTUALLY COMPETE

I'm not sure if all caps is the same as blue font, so forgive my ignorance if it is. But, given the mess he inherited and the scholarship restrictions he's been working with, the depth and level of competitiveness have far exceeded my expectations.

 

[ShelbourneVol]

I have seen many people getting upset at Heupel for not firing his staff, but he has not had to. The defense has improved, so he has not had to fire anyone on that side of the ball. On the offensive side, we have regressed, but we had a QB last year that could not hit a mid-range ball and a Qb this year in his first year of playing and he rarely hit deep balls. This severely limits offensive playcalling and gives defensive an advantage because they do not have to worry about the deep ball, etc. Also, I am just going to say Heupel's achievements so far again.

Came into a 3-7 team with the entire team transferred out and scholarship limitations (that we still have)
Only UT coach to beat Saban and ended the 15-year streak against the former Heisman-winning QB.
Ended the streak vs Florida
Undefeated vs Florida and Bama at home
Two #1 rated Qb out of highschool in the last 3 classes.
Has had two top ten recruiting classes which is the best sense 2014 and 2015.
First TN coach to make playoffs
One loss at home in last 3 years.

I know we got blown out by OSU and are losing players in the transfer portal. But, I trust Heupel running the program

Dave Hooker and Caleb Calhoun seem to be doing a good job of fanning negative Josh Heupel flames. Some of their recent articles have been very negative, poorly written, out of context, downright hatchet jobs.

 

[VOLINVONORE]

I have seen many people getting upset at Heupel for not firing his staff, but he has not had to. The defense has improved, so he has not had to fire anyone on that side of the ball. On the offensive side, we have regressed, but we had a QB last year that could not hit a mid-range ball and a Qb this year in his first year of playing and he rarely hit deep balls. This severely limits offensive playcalling and gives defensive an advantage because they do not have to worry about the deep ball, etc. Also, I am just going to say Heupel's achievements so far again.

Came into a 3-7 team with the entire team transferred out and scholarship limitations (that we still have)
Only UT coach to beat Saban and ended the 15-year streak against the former Heisman-winning QB.
Ended the streak vs Florida
Undefeated vs Florida and Bama at home
Two #1 rated Qb out of highschool in the last 3 classes.
Has had two top ten recruiting classes which is the best sense 2014 and 2015.
First TN coach to make playoffs
One loss at home in last 3 years.

I know we got blown out by OSU and are losing players in the transfer portal. But, I trust Heupel running the program

Some will not be satisfied if we won every game and the National Championship. They just have to complain about something.

 

[VOLINVONORE]

I'm not sure if all caps is the same as blue font, so forgive my ignorance if it is. But, given the mess he inherited and the scholarship restrictions he's been working with, the depth and level of competitiveness have far exceeded my expectations.

To begin with, his statement is incorrect. We were three deep in defensive linemen and we played them to keep everyone fresh. We were not very deep at LB and Safety and that is where we were attacked. We will be stronger at both positions this Fall, barring injuries.

 

[Voluntarius]

Golesh was playing chess with our offense while he was here, while Halzle plays checkers now. We aren't polished and talented enough yet to be predictable on offense. It's much more difficult to run or pass block when everyone in the stadium knows what's coming and where the ball's going in a given situation or formation. An overwhelming talent advantage could offset some of these issues, but we rarely have that when facing any SEC or playoff caliber team. Golesh basically took a makeshift offensive roster and turned it into an offensive juggernaut. Hooked made it work, of course-- but even he he would probably not have the same level of success now.

 

[ddubb76]

I don’t get paid to coach, but my opinion is that the offensive woes was one of 2 things. Either the receivers were not good enough to get separation making the qb hold it too long, or the offensive play calling was too predictable allowing the defense to get in position to not let the receivers get open. Maybe some of both.

 

[FlyFishnVol]

I have seen many people getting upset at Heupel for not firing his staff, but he has not had to. The defense has improved, so he has not had to fire anyone on that side of the ball. On the offensive side, we have regressed, but we had a QB last year that could not hit a mid-range ball and a Qb this year in his first year of playing and he rarely hit deep balls. This severely limits offensive playcalling and gives defensive an advantage because they do not have to worry about the deep ball, etc. Also, I am just going to say Heupel's achievements so far again.

Came into a 3-7 team with the entire team transferred out and scholarship limitations (that we still have)
Only UT coach to beat Saban and ended the 15-year streak against the former Heisman-winning QB.
Ended the streak vs Florida
Undefeated vs Florida and Bama at home
Two #1 rated Qb out of highschool in the last 3 classes.
Has had two top ten recruiting classes which is the best sense 2014 and 2015.
First TN coach to make playoffs
One loss at home in last 3 years.

I know we got blown out by OSU and are losing players in the transfer portal. But, I trust Heupel running the program

Because we didn't go undefeated, win a Natty, have the #1 Offense and the #1 Defense, and a Heisman winner, anything less is unacceptable; that is the UT Fan way.