Biography
Josh Heupel, born on March 22, 1978, in Bremerton, Washington, is a former professional American football quarterback and current collegiate football head coach. He played college football at the University of Oklahoma, where he was the starting quarterback from 1999 to 2000. Heupel led the Sooners to a national championship in 2000, earning the prestigious Davey O'Brien Award as the nation’s top quarterback that same year.
Following a productive college career, Heupel was selected in the sixth round of the 2001 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins. He had brief stints with the Dolphins, the Green Bay Packers, and the San Diego Chargers, ultimately playing a total of five games in the NFL. Despite a short professional playing career, Heupel’s impact on the game continued as he transitioned into coaching after retirement, with notable coaching roles at the University of Oklahoma and the University of Missouri.
Heupel's coaching career saw a significant milestone when he became the head coach at the University of Tennessee in 2021. Under his leadership, the Tennessee Volunteer football program experienced a resurgence, characterized by an explosive offense and successful recruiting classes. His legacy is reflective of both his accomplishments on the field as a player and his contributions as a coach, influencing the development of the next generation of football talent.