Josh Heupel hires former Oklahoma teammate to help out Tennessee offense

Another former Sooner is joining the Vols.
Tennessee v Oklahoma
Tennessee v Oklahoma | Brian Bahr/GettyImages

Apparently the band is getting back together in Knoxville. Earlier this offseason, Tennessee football coach Josh Heupel hired legendary Oklahoma quarterback Landry Jones as an offensive analyst for his staff. It was an exciting addition, as Heupel used to be his quarterbacks coach/offensive coordinator.

Well, there's another former Sooner all set to make an impact for Tennessee's offense. That'd be Seth Littrell, who will also be joining UT as an offensive analyst, ESPN's Chris Low is reporting. These two are quite familiar with one another, as they were teammates at Oklahoma, highlighted by helping the Sooners win the national title back in 2000.

Tennessee has hired former Oklahoma OC Seth Littrell as an offensive analyst

Littrell was just on staff with Oklahoma, but his return to Norman didn't last long. After joining the team in 2023, he was fired by the Sooners last season in mid-October after Oklahoma lost three of four games. The offense wasn't getting the job done, so Brent Venables made the tough call to part ways with Littrell.

Now, though, he's ready to make an impact with Tennessee, as the Vols are getting ready to start spring practices right around the corner. This is Heupel's offense, no doubt about that. However, bringing in analysts with the kind of knowledge that Jones and Littrell have could prove to be invaluable.

This is all going to be key for star quarterback Nico Iamaleava. With reigning SEC Offensive Player of the Year Dylan Sampson off to the NFL, there's going to be loads of pressure on the second-year starting QB to carry this squad.

In 2025, Iamaleava is going to have to stay consistent. He had issues with the deep ball last fall, but he cleaned things up late in the campaign. The way he performs is going to make or break the year for the Vols. If he plays to his abilities, Tennessee can return to the College Football Playoff. If he doesn't, then UT will be watching from home. Luckily, the pieces are in place to help Nico be at his best - and Jones + Littrell will be excited to help elevate his game.

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