Josh Heupel comments on the Chaz Coleman situation as Tennessee’s summer workouts begin
The waiting game continues for Tennessee and one of their most important offseason roster acquisitions.
The ongoing saga surrounding Penn State transfer defensive lineman Chaz Coleman has been one that’s kept the Tennessee Vols program in a bit of lurch during the offseason.
After what turned out to be a major win for Josh Heupel in the transfer portal following the 2025 season, Coleman’s time during Tennessee’s spring football program was short lived. Coleman stepped away from spring practice due to what has been described as personal issues.
According to Tennessee insider Tony Basilio last month, Coleman has been having a tough time being far away from home. Basilio noted the team was being supportive of Coleman and was not considering ousting him from the team.
“Tennessee doesn’t want to kick him off the team for his recent hiccups but wants to figure out a way to accommodate him,” noted Basilio. “They’ve been in contact with family members, and it’s possible one of his siblings could join him soon in Knoxville.”
It appears as though the patience is continuing as the team reports to Knoxville for summer workouts. On3 Sports’ Pete Nakos noted on Wednesday that Coleman has yet to report to town.
And from Heupel’s comments to On3, it sounds like the patience on Tennessee’s end is continuing.
Heupel stays patient and supportive of Tennessee DL Chaz Coleman as summer workouts begin
“Chaz has been dealing with some things, and we’re here to support him,” Nakos quotes Heupel as telling On3 Sports on Wednesday. “We’ll continue to go through that process.”
Honestly, it’s the right approach to take by Heupel and the staff. It’s clear that the transition has been a tough one for Coleman, and from the human side, giving him the space to make it is the right move.
Football wise, as long as he’s able to get acclimated by fall camp, missed practices shouldn’t really be a huge problem for him. He has the talent to be able to step in and make an impact, and he is familiar with Jim Knowles defense, having spent the 2025 season together.
Hopefully Coleman is able to get into a place where he’s comfortable getting back to work sooner than later. And it’s clear that Tennessee is going to give him the chance to do that.