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Tennessee football: Five things promoting Kelsey Pope to WR coach means for Vols

By Caleb Calhoun

Oct 2, 2021; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Cedric Tillman (4) celebrates with wide receiver JaVonta Payton (3) after scoring a touchdown against the Missouri Tigers during the second half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2021; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Cedric Tillman (4) celebrates with wide receiver JaVonta Payton (3) after scoring a touchdown against the Missouri Tigers during the second half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tennessee Offensive Coordinator Alex Golesh calls during fall practice at Haslam Field in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021.Kns Tennessee Fall Practice
Tennessee Offensive Coordinator Alex Golesh calls during fall practice at Haslam Field in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021.Kns Tennessee Fall Practice /

3. Stability and continuity over big name on offense

When it comes to defense, Josh Heupel does seem to want to bring bigger names to Tennessee football. Tim Banks was becoming a more highly sought-out defensive coordinator by the day given his work with the Penn State Nittany Lions, so luring him to Rocky Top was huge.

Rodney Garner is a notable legend as a defensive line coach in the SEC. Willie Martinez has developed a reputation all over coaching defensive backs. Simply put, while up and coming stars are on the defensive side of the ball, it’s clear Heupel values big names there.

However, as an offensive guy, he trusts his own knowledge and instincts, so stability and continuity are clearly a bigger deal. Kodi Burns and Jerry Mack were the only two assistant coaches in 2021 on that side of the ball who weren’t with Heupel the previous year when he was coaching the UCF Knights. Heupel, Alex Golesh and Glen Elarbee were all together.

Well, now Pope enters that crew. He was with Tennessee football last year, so Heupel was clearly focused on not having to change too much heading into spring practice. Doing that over hiring a splash name speaks to how much he believes in his offense and his system, and that confidence could be huge going forward.

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