‘He doesn’t need to be talking publicly about that’ – Former Vols coach had some thoughts about Josh Heupel’s viral ‘next question’ press conference moment
Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel had a limit on quarterback questions this week.
Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel took five questions on quarterbacks to start his press conference on Monday.
When a sixth question was asked, Heupel quickly cut off the reporter and said, “next question…politely.”
At that point, Heupel had said all he was going to say about quarterbacks. There was no point in taking more questions on the topic because there was no further insight he was willing to share.
I’ve seen hundreds of instances of coaches or athletes saying “next question” — it’s usually not a big deal. That’s why I was surprised when Heupel’s moment became a huge talking point on social media.
Heupel apologized to the reporter, Paige Dauer, after the press conference.
Former Tennessee offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe shares thoughts on Josh Heupel’s viral moment
Former Vols offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe said during an appearance this week on The George Plaster Show that he thought Heupel’s answer about quarterbacks was “brilliant.”
“I don’t have any idea what they’re going to do (longterm at QB), and I’m not sure they know,” said Cutcliffe. “I did see Coach Heupel say when he got asked a question that he’s not talking about the quarterbacks anymore. And he said politely, he used that word, and I thought that was brilliant.
“Right now, he doesn’t need to be talking public about that. What you have to do, if you ask me what I would do, I would have honest conversations in the meeting room with all of them. No one-on-one meetings with any of them. I didn’t believe in that — because I wanted them to know what I was saying to each of them.”
I think that’s great advice from Cutcliffe. There’s no point in saying too much publicly about the situation. Heupel doesn’t know how either of these quarterbacks — Faizon Brandon and George MacIntyre — are actually going to perform the rest of the season. He doesn’t need to say anything in a press conference that suggests he’s predetermined any decisions. Heupel’s decisions have to be based on what happens on the field week to week.
