When it comes to media members in the college football world, one man is above all. Paul Finebaum. He is controversial, outspoken, insightful, and highly entertaining. When Finerbaum says something, it's always way over the top and dismissive. Well, last night, Finebaum said something that might rile up Tennessee football fans.
On the Beat Everyone podcast, Finebaum was asked to name one word for each head coach that best fits them and their current situation. When Finebaum heard Josh Heupel, he went on to say, "average."
We asked for one word to describe these top college football coaches, and @finebaum did not disappoint. pic.twitter.com/9KmL2oTMPJ
— Alabama Crimson Tide | AL.com (@aldotcomTide) December 16, 2025
Paul Finebaum says Josh Heupel is average
Dude, are you serious? Josh Heupel has been one of the best coaches in college football since his arrival in Knoxville. To put it in perspective, Heupel has more double-digit win seasons than the previous four coaches combined. Plus, Heupel won 11 games in 2022, his second year at Tennessee, the first time Tennessee reached the mark since Phillip Fulmer did in 2001.
Heupel has done things in Knoxville that Vols fans have dreamed of. His offensive year-in-and-year-out is statistically in the top 10. Heupel is also putting players in the NFL, and they are showing out. James Pearce Jr. might win defensive rookie of the year, Darnell Wright has been great at protecting Caleb Williams, and Jaylen Wright got his time to shine last week and made the most of it.
Sure, did the Vols take a step back in 2025, only winning eight games? Yes. But that shouldn't discount the overall body of work Heupel has done at Tennessee. Also, you have to remember this team was two close games versus Georgia and Oklahoma away from making the playoffs. Not all 8-4 teams are built the same.
Tennessee fans are extremely happy to be out of the Jeremy Pruitt and Butch Jones era of Vols football. Those were average coaches. When they were the head coaches at Tennessee, the Vols were a decent team but weren't a real threat to win the SEC.
Heupel is light years ahead of those guys. He has made the playoffs and competed for championships at Tennessee. That is much more than "average."