Josh Heupel talks about his relationship with Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer

Tennessee Volunteers football coach Josh Heupel talks about his connection with Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer.

The SEC Media Days began on Monday, with the Tennessee Volunteers taking the podium for day two on Tuesday. Every conference head coach, as well as some players, will be available to chat with the media this week in Dallas, Texas. Tennessee football head coach Josh Heupel took the podium and spoke on a range of topics.

One of the issues discussed was his friendship with current Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer. Tennessee and Alabama have long been rivals, and the rivalry has heated up in recent seasons, following the Volunteers’ upset of Alabama in Neyland Stadium, which was followed by one of college football history’s biggest parties. Heupel was asked about his relationship with DeBoer, and here is what he said:

“I don’t think anyone imagined two South Dakotans playing in the SEC a few years ago. Kalen [DeBoer] is someone I’ve known for a long time; I watched him as an athlete when I was younger, and then our paths crossed and we stayed in touch at various points throughout our coaching careers. We’re excited to have him in the league. fantastic person, fantastic coach, and we’ll be ready on Saturday, October.”