Tennessee football coach Josh Heupel looking forward to ‘unique’ return to OU

There has been much anticipation for Josh Heupel’s return to Norman ever since the 2024 SEC football schedule was made public.

For the SEC opener for both programs on September 21, Tennessee’s head coach and the only quarterback to lead Oklahoma to a national title victory since 1985 will be at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Heupel, who was formerly a member of the Sooners coaching staff from 2011 to 2014, where he held the position of co-offensive coordinator, talked candidly about his upcoming return on Wednesday at the SEC spring meetings in Destin, Florida.

“It’ll be unique to go back and play inside of that stadium being on the other sideline,” Heupel stated.

Since his dismissal in 2015, Heupel has not gone to play a game in Norman. Heupel was hired to lead the Volunteers prior to the 2018 season, having previously served as head coach of UCF.

Heupel is entering his fourth season at the helm in Knoxville with high expectations. In his second season, Heupel led the Vols to an 11-2 record and a 31-14 Orange Bowl victory over Clemson but finished 9-4 in 2023.

The matchup will be a must-see event and it remains to be seen if OU will honor him in any way.

“For my coaching career to playing career, a lot of great relationships, a lot of great memories,” Heupel said about OU. “So many people have been a huge part of helping me as a player grow as a man, helping me in this profession as well.”