This isn't the first time that Tennessee football fans have had to deal with coaching rumors. However, when Tony Vitello decided to leave Knoxville for the majors, people have been a bit uneasy as a whole. Might Josh Heupel also leave town if the right offer comes in?
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This is something we don't even want to think about, but seemingly out of nowhere, Heupel's name just keeps getting brought up when it comes to the LSU opening. The Tigers fired Brian Kelly and they're now looking for someone to come in and inject needed energy into the program. Would they consider giving Heupel a blank check?
“Josh Heupel would at least entertain the conversation — he’s thought about leaving Knoxville. So, I’m not saying it’s going to happen. What I’ve been told is there’s an understanding in the industry that for the right job, Josh Heupel would be willing to leave. So again, take it…
— DRVawl (@DRVawl) November 13, 2025
LSU rumors surrounding Josh Heupel keep coming up for Tennessee
Yeah, we don't like this one bit. Heupel has helped get Tennessee back on the map, with the 10-win season and trip to the College Football Playoff last year being fantastic. Things have dropped off a little this year, but Nico Iamaleava leaving for UCLA is not what anyone thought was coming.
Still, a 9-win campaign is still in the work for the Vols in 2025 and things have been a bit of a mess for LSU. Would Heupel really want to leave his fantastic setup with Tennessee and take over in Baton Rouge? From our chair, that'd be a huge mistake, as there's been nothing but drama at LSU for a while.
Heupel has been an ace recruiter, with four 5-stars on the way alone for the 2026 class. That'd be Faizon Brandon, Gabriel Osenda, Salesi Moa and Tristen Keys. Ironically enough, Heupel flipped Keys from LSU earlier this year.
We get that this time of year that rumors and speculation are going to be flying around. Heupel will probably just give some coach speak if he's asked about his name being linked elsewhere, but it doesn't sit well for Vols Nation that there's so much smoke around him potentially eyeing another job. The LSU brand is a big one, but Tennessee comes second to no one. Heupel should stay in Knoxville and keep building on the incredible work he's already gotten done. Period.