Saban claims Heupel is one of the only coaches that isn’t happy he retired after the Vols scored 52 on Alabama in 2023.
Josh Heupel appeared on stage at SEC Media Days in Dallas, Texas, on Tuesday. The Tennessee football head coach emphasized the importance of the team’s success on and off the field, as well as its top-tier brand and culture.
The Vols have achieved success in a variety of sports, including football, thanks to the coaches’ and players’ connection, devotion, and caring for one another and the program.
Former Alabama head coach and future Hall of Famer Nick Saban praised Heupel throughout the day, even crediting him with 52 points in Saban’s final visit to Neyland Stadium.
Nick Saban to Josh Heupel on the SEC Network set: You're probably one of the few coaches that are not so pleased that I retired since you guys put 52 on us.
— Ben McKee (@benmckee14) July 16, 2024
That’s a huge compliment from Saban, and in actuality, everyone is glad Saban has retired because it opens up the SEC a little more with the seven-time national champion now enjoying golf courses and his lake house all year.
Saban also praises Heupel’s work from Year One to Year Four, which included implementing his up-tempo, explosive offense and improving the defense year after year.
Nick Saban on Josh Heupel:
"He does a really good job. That offense that they run with the spread out folks and fast-paced is still something that is difficult to prepare for." #Vols pic.twitter.com/85lMnI6yoz
— Reece Van Haaften (@Reece_VH) July 16, 2024
It’s strange to hear comments and praise for Tennessee and Heupel from someone who coached one of Tennessee’s biggest opponents for over 15 years, but don’t be surprised if this isn’t the last time Saban honors Heupel this season.
Saban has joined ESPN’s College Gameday, where he will talk college football every Saturday morning this autumn.
We don’t know if College Gameday will attend a Tennessee game, but there will be a few opportunities for the Gameday crew to go.
Tennessee’s top SEC matches heading into the season are Oklahoma, Alabama, and Georgia, so we might see the Gameday team at one of those games if Tennessee wins early in the season.
The Vols will kick off their season on August 31 versus Chattanooga at Neyland Stadium. SEC play began on September 21, when Heupel returns to Oklahoma to welcome the Sooners to the conference.
