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Everything from Head Coach Josh Heupel in Media Availability

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, September 16th 2025 at 10:12 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Josh Heupel’s Media Playbook: How Tennessee’s New Head Coach Plans to Keep the Press in the Loop

When the Tennessee Volunteers hired former Arkansas head coach Josh Heupel in January, the hope was simple: a fresh voice, a new culture, and a team that could finally compete for conference titles again. But as the first weeks of the 2024 season ticked by, it quickly became clear that Heupel’s first big move was not on the field but on the mic and in front of a camera. An in‑depth interview on Sports Illustrated revealed a media‑savvy approach that blends accessibility with strategic communication. In the following article, we break down Heupel’s key takeaways, how he plans to use the press to build his brand, and what this means for Tennessee football.

1. “I’m Here for the Media, Not Just the Games”

Heupel opened the conversation by addressing the most immediate question: “What’s your policy on media availability?” He answered with a candid admission that he wants to be open but also disciplined. “I set up a consistent schedule for press conferences, but I also reserve time for one‑on‑one interviews with key reporters,” he explained. He further clarified that he will be reachable via phone, email, and video chat, a practice that aligns with his coaching philosophy of building trust.

The Sports Illustrated piece includes a link to a press‑conference video where Heupel demonstrates the new schedule he’s rolled out for the 2024 season. The video shows a daily briefing that takes place at the university’s main press room and a weekly recap in which Heupel is quick to highlight both on‑and‑off‑the‑field progress.

2. Coaching Under the Lens

Heupel’s background gives him a unique advantage when it comes to media. Former Arkansas assistant Mike Brown’s profile at ESPN is linked in the SI article, illustrating Heupel’s 12‑year trajectory—from Arkansas graduate assistant to interim head coach in 2021, to permanent head coach in 2022. Heupel recounts that the Arkansas era taught him how to maintain a narrative during a season of highs and lows.

“I learned early on that the story you tell matters just as much as the playbook you use,” Heupel said. He refers to the 2023 season, in which Tennessee went from a 4‑8 record in 2022 to a 7‑5 finish under his guidance. The interview ties in a link to the Volunteers’ 2023 statistics page, underscoring Heupel’s emphasis on data analytics. The team’s defense, for example, jumped from a 14th‑place national ranking in 2022 to a top‑10 ranking in 2023, according to the stats.

3. Recruiting—The New Narrative

A major focus for Heupel is recruiting, and the SI article takes readers to a linked page on the Volunteers’ recruiting website. Heupel’s recruiting philosophy is to prioritize “character and football IQ,” he says, and he’s eager to fill the 2024 class with players who can contribute immediately.

He specifically mentions the “dual‑position” strategy he’s been using at Arkansas, where players line up at both offense and defense. He believes this approach is especially valuable in the SEC, where versatility can be a game‑changer. The article quotes Heupel on how this mindset has already paid off, citing a recent 4‑star defensive lineman who was recruited under this philosophy.

4. Building a “Family” Culture

Beyond the tactical aspects, Heupel stresses the importance of creating a family atmosphere. He said, “The media can sometimes feel like an outsider, but I want every stakeholder—players, staff, fans—to feel part of the journey.” Heupel references a link to an internal team video where he talks to players in a casual setting, underscoring the human side of his leadership.

This family theme is not just rhetoric. Heupel’s 2024 schedule includes a pre‑season “Family Night” at Neyland Stadium, aimed at giving the community a taste of the new culture. The SI piece links to a press release announcing the event, along with a poll of fan expectations.

5. Media as a Two‑Way Street

Heupel’s media playbook is not one‑sided. He believes reporters can help shape the narrative as well. He mentioned a recent collaboration with a local radio station, which is linked in the article, to host a weekly Q&A with the coaching staff. The segment allows for real‑time feedback and helps keep the fan base engaged. Heupel also noted that he’s willing to host a “town‑hall” style event where fans can ask questions directly, fostering an environment where transparency is a core value.

6. Challenges Ahead

While Heupel is optimistic, he also acknowledges the hurdles that lie ahead. The article links to a commentary piece on The Athletic that discusses the depth chart challenges the Volunteers face after losing key seniors. Heupel acknowledges the need to quickly fill gaps at the quarterback and linebacker positions, and he stresses that the recruiting pipeline is critical.

He also hints at an upcoming “Coaching Staff Shuffle” as part of the 2024 offseason. Heupel’s approach to this will be to bring in assistants who align with his data‑driven philosophy. A link to the coaching staff roster on the official Tennessee athletics site provides further context.

7. Looking Forward

The Sports Illustrated article ends on a forward‑looking note. Heupel’s media strategy is a deliberate part of his broader vision: a Tennessee that is competitive, community‑oriented, and transparent. “Every press conference, every interview, every post‑game interview is an opportunity to get closer to the fans and the program,” he says.

He also acknowledges that the 2024 season will test the depth of his communication plan. The Volunteers’ early‑season schedule includes back‑to‑back SEC games, and the SI article links to a preview of the upcoming matchups against Alabama and Georgia. In both cases, Heupel has expressed a commitment to being available for post‑game media coverage, offering “real‑time analysis and honest assessment.”

In short, Josh Heupel’s media playbook is built around openness, data‑driven communication, and a family‑first culture. The Sports Illustrated article gives fans a behind‑the‑scenes look at how the new head coach plans to keep the press—and the fans—in the conversation. As Tennessee enters a new era on the field, it seems clear that Heupel intends to keep the narrative in his hands, but only so that the story can move forward together with his players, staff, and supporters.