Josh Heupel Ranked As A Top SEC Head Coach
The offseason serves as an evaluation period for fans and programs. It's important to examine the landscape and see where you stack up against a sport that grows quicker than any in America.
Head coach Josh Heupel has exceeded offseason expectations in two consecutive seasons. He immediately implemented an explosive, efficient offense that garnered headlines, then followed it up with a historic 2022 season that revived Tennessee's hope.
He came into each season somewhat under-the-radar; while many had high expectations for Tennessee's 2022 season, Heupel's name wasn't consistently mentioned among the top head coaches in conference.
On3 analyst Greg McElroy ranked the top five SEC head coaches. Familiar names topped the list, but a few new faces cracked the group.
McElroy's Top Five SEC Head Coaches
- 1. Nick Saban
- 2. Kirby Smart
- 3. Brian Kelly
- 4. Lane Kiffin
- 5. Josh Heupel
Brian Kelly and Heupel are two names that wouldn't have been on this list at this time last year, but big 2022 campaigns bolstered their reputation. Kelly made it to the SEC Championship in his first season with the LSU Tigers, while Tennessee made it to their first ever New Year's Six Bowl.
The first two offseasons didn't carry much pressure for Heupel, but positive public opinion means elevated expectations. Tennessee must build off the success they found last season; a regression back to the mean would undermine much of the progress they have made in the past two seasons.
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