Since 2021
45 wins through five seasons at Tennessee (3rd-most in program history over that span), 11 wins over ranked opponents, three straight top-20 finishes, and the program's first CFP appearance (2024). An 8-5 2025 season was viewed as a step back and prompted his first major staff overhaul.
Record & context
Lifetime record55–20 (.733) as an FBS head coach
Current program6th season at Tennessee
Years in system—
ATS contextNo single published career ATS figure 2025 finished 8-5, capped by a 28-30 bowl loss to Illinois on a late field goal. The defense collapsed under 5th-year DC Tim Banks amid injuries to top cornerbacks — a clear, specific reason Heupel fired his entire defensive staff this offseason.
Previous season8-5
Compensation
Salary$9.0M
SourceCoach salary per Yahoo Sports' 2026 SEC coaching salary rankings (USA Today database). Spyre Sports Group was previously the subject of an NCAA NIL investigation tied to QB Nico Ia
Designationreported
Confidence—
Figures are labeled by designation. Estimated values are not official contract terms.