In a move that had been foreshadowed over the last couple of months, Josh Heupel and Tennessee have officially cut ties with five-star edge transfer Chaz Coleman. Coleman played under Jim Knowles at Penn State before transferring to Tennessee this offseason in a move that reportedly included a significant NIL deal.
However, things didn’t go nearly as planned. Tennessee brought Coleman in during the winter, and everything seemed to be going well. He was practicing and flashing a ton of potential, something he has never lacked. Coleman participated in the beginning of spring practice with the Vols, and then suddenly he was gone. Reports surfaced that Coleman was homesick.
Fast forward to today, and Coleman never returned for summer workouts. Tennessee officially removed him from the roster after he was listed as being “medically disqualified.”
BREAKING: Tennessee has parted ways with Penn State transfer EDGE Chaz Coleman, @PeteNakos and @Clowfb report.
— On3 (@On3) June 26, 2026
Coleman has been medically disqualified from the Vols' roster. https://t.co/mpKYyftR87 pic.twitter.com/rcvJAkIvHX
Given this, Tennessee fans aren’t happy with how things unfolded. Some have placed the blame on Josh Heupel, while others have pointed fingers at Jim Knowles. Overall, fans are frustrated with the situation and the fact that Tennessee has now experienced another NIL-related disappointment involving a high-profile player.
Tennessee fans react to the Chaz Coleman news
Jim apparently didn’t Knowles Chaz well enough.
— Noneyuns (@Noneyuns52) June 26, 2026
Not surprised, but this sucks though Can’t wait for us to not have a pass rush now
— Matt (@SteelerVol4Life) June 26, 2026
The only dissapointment is that this wasn’t done sooner.
— CJ (@cj_ay14) June 26, 2026
So in Heupel’s most important season to-date, he’s going in with an unknown at Quarterback and no proven pass rushers. Year 6.
— Kris Kepley (@kriskepley) June 26, 2026
Fans even compared Coleman's situation to former Vols Boo Carter and Nico Iamaleava, who also had exits that were full of drama.
No surprise didn't need another Bo Carter
— Dan (@dan_chumle32051) June 26, 2026
He just got Nico-ed.
— Ken Keller (@luvofgameKK) June 26, 2026
Some fans were happy to get Coleman off the roster and are ready to move forward with this fall.
Correct decision by UT
— Joe Hendry (@Vol42Snow42) June 26, 2026
I'm good with this.
— Rich Brothers (@rich_rwbrothers) June 26, 2026
Overall, the message is clear: there are a lot of people who can share the blame in this situation. Ultimately, though, it falls on Heupel. It’s not always fair to place the responsibility on him, but at the end of the day, that comes with being the head coach. Maybe this was impossible for him to see coming, but the fact that situations like this keep happening is becoming concerning.
Now Tennessee has to move forward and figure out a way to generate a pass rush next fall.
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