One reason why Tennessee Vols fans should feel confident Josh Heupel won't leave for Oklahoma
There's no indication that Tennessee Vols head coach Josh Heupel will be in the mix for the Oklahoma job that opened on Sunday when Lincoln Riley decided to leave Norman for USC. But you can excuse Vol fans for being concerned that Heupel, a former Oklahoma quarterback, and assistant coach, could leave the Vols for […]
There's no indication that Tennessee Vols head coach Josh Heupel will be in the mix for the Oklahoma job that opened on Sunday when Lincoln Riley decided to leave Norman for USC.
But you can excuse Vol fans for being concerned that Heupel, a former Oklahoma quarterback, and assistant coach, could leave the Vols for the Sooners.
This is almost the exact same situation as Lane Kiffin in early 2010 (and USC is once again to blame).
However, there's at least one reason why UT fans shouldn't be too concerned about Heupel leaving for Oklahoma.
Former Sooners head coach Bob Stoops is still heavily involved at OU.
Stoops will reportedly serve as Oklahoma's interim head coach for the Sooners' bowl game.
This would seemingly suggest that Stoops is going to have a hand in naming the next head coach.
And if that's the case, you can likely rule out Heupel being an option.
Stoops fired Heupel, who was serving as his offensive coordinator, after the 2014 season.
The two reportedly haven't spoken since that decision was made.
It's hard to imagine Stoops and Heupel suddenly rekindling their relationship.
As far as who eventually takes the Oklahoma job, my money is on Stoops taking over again. He's only 61, so he still has plenty left in the tank. And he obviously has the itch to coach again (otherwise he wouldn't be coaching the bowl game).
Another option could be Kentucky's Mark Stoops, Bob's brother.
Featured image via Saul Young/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
