Vols’ Leader of Heart: Tennessee Football Coach Josh Heupel Makes Big Plays Off the Field
While Josh Heupel has led the Tennessee Volunteers back into national football relevance with grit, vision, and strategy, his most inspiring impact may be happening far away from Neyland Stadium’s 100,000 roaring fans. Off the field, Heupel has emerged as a quiet but powerful force for community change across the Volunteer State.
Known for his calm demeanor and methodical leadership, Heupel has launched a wave of charitable efforts that reflect his core values: humility, service, and lifting others. Whether it’s organizing clothing drives for low-income families, visiting local children’s hospitals, or partnering with education initiatives in rural areas, Heupel is redefining what it means to be a head coach in the SEC.
One standout program, “Vols Serve,” was initiated by Heupel in his second year. It pairs football players with local youth programs, giving student-athletes a chance to mentor kids facing tough circumstances. The coach has made community service a key part of the team’s identity — and his players are fully on board.
“Coach Heupel doesn’t just talk about helping — he shows up,” said one Knoxville community organizer. “He’s out there handing out meals, shaking hands, listening. It’s real.”
Heupel’s compassion was especially visible after recent tornadoes struck parts of Tennessee. He rallied his team and staff to support cleanup efforts, raise funds for displaced families, and rebuild playgrounds and schools — all without seeking media attention.
For Heupel, it’s simple: “We represent Tennessee. That means we serve Tennessee.”
While the scoreboard defines game day, Coach Heupel’s legacy will be measured by something far greater — the lives changed, the hope restored, and the communities strengthened by a coach who leads not just with X’s and O’s, but with purpose and heart.
