Only days after former UCF athletics director Danny White announced he would be heading to Knoxville, Tennessee, UCF Knights football coach Josh Heupel will also be exiting to take over the football program at the University of Tennessee.
Heupel was hired by Danny White 3 seasons ago after Scott Frost left UCF for the head coaching position at Nebraska.
“We looked at a number of potential candidates,” White said. “Josh Heupel, who I had the privilege of working with for three years, is everything we were looking for: winning with integrity, a history of championships and the architect of explosive offenses. He is a players’ coach and the kind of person the student-athletes go the extra mile for. I saw that first-hand, and you can see it in his coaching record.”
Tennessee officially announced Heupel as the new head of their football program, and included a statement from the former head coach of the Knights.
“I am thrilled to be coming to Tennessee,” Heupel said. “I understand that Volunteer fans are hungry for a return to the top that they so richly deserve, and it is my goal and commitment to bring a championship back to Rocky Top.”
Heupel’s record with the Knights was 28-8 including a 12-1 record in his first season in 2018b and this past season with a record of 6-4.
Tennessee Chancellor Donde Plowman added on the search and hire of Heupel, “”We brought Danny White in to hire a talented coach who can be here for a long time and build a championship program. Coach Heupel has compiled an impressive record, and I think Vols fans can look forward to a bright and exciting future. We are delighted to welcome him and his family to Tennessee.”
According to UCF, Scott Carr, deputy AD for brand activation, is now serving as interim director of athletics, and defensive coordinator Randy Shannon will serve as interim head coach.