Yes, it may still be February, but Josh Heupel and the Tennessee football team are already counting down the days for Week 1 to get here. Luckily for fans who can't wait for the regular season to arrive, spring ball is right around the corner - Nico Iamaleava and Co. will be ready to hit the ground running.
For Heupel, he also now has his 2025 staff locked in. The loss of Mike Ekeler to Nebraska hurt, but Heupel decided to promote analyst Evan Crabtree to take over for his former boss. That wasn't the only move, as Tennessee also promoted Chop Harbin to outside linebackers coach (replacing Ekeler) and John Bonamego as an assistant special teams coach. As you might have been able to guess, Heupel is fired up over the changes.
Tennessee and Josh Heupel finalized 3 coaching staff hires earlier in the week
"We are excited about the cohesiveness of our coaching staff," Heupel said via the Tennessee website. "Chop and Evan understand the culture and standard of excellence that we have built here over the past four years. Both have strong relationships with our players, and it will make for a seamless transition as we get ready for spring practice.
"Chop has been a valuable part of our recruiting efforts."We have taken great pride in our special teams units being among the best in the country since we arrived here. Evan has played a pivotal role in that success. John owns nearly two decades of coaching special teams at the highest level. As a former head coach, he brings a wealth of experience and knowledge into our program."
Similar to Crabtree, Harbin was previously an analyst on staff, working closely with the Tennessee pass-rushers. The list includes James Pearce Jr., who is on his way to potentially being a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Bonamego is arriving in Knoxville with loads of coaching experience both at the NFL and college level. He was head coach at Central Michigan from 2015-18. He has special teams coordinator experience in college and the pros.
Last season, the Vols made some sweet history, reaching the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history. With so much talent returning, of course including Iamaleava, the hope is the SEC powerhouse can post another 10-win season and get back to the CFP next winter. It won't be easy, but Heupel is ready for his players and coaches to deliver.