Josh Heupel responds to question about 'complicated' relationship with Oklahoma
One of the most anticipated games of the 2024 college football season will be the matchup between the Tennessee Vols and the Oklahoma Sooners in Norman. Tennessee, of course, is coached by Josh Heupel, who won a national championship in 2000 as the Sooners' quarterback. Heupel went on to become a coach on Oklahoma's staff […]
One of the most anticipated games of the 2024 college football season will be the matchup between the Tennessee Vols and the Oklahoma Sooners in Norman.
Tennessee, of course, is coached by Josh Heupel, who won a national championship in 2000 as the Sooners' quarterback.
Heupel went on to become a coach on Oklahoma's staff under Bob Stoops, eventually rising to offensive coordinator. For a while, it looked like Heupel might be the heir to Stoops.
But in 2014, after an 8-5 season, Heupel was let go by Stoops.
Heupel has said very little about Oklahoma — at least publicly — since his dismissal from OU.
And because Heupel hasn't said much about Stoops or Oklahoma, it's created a narrative that he has a "complicated" relationship with his alma mater.
On Thursday at SEC Media Days, Heupel was asked about his relationship with Oklahoma and he said it's really not that complicated.
"The relationship with Oklahoma really isn't complicated," said Heupel. "I got nothing but great memories of the people and my time there. I certainly do. And it's a huge — you know, I got a chance to talk about Mike Leach a few minutes ago backstage in the interview — everybody there helped shaped who I am, where I'm at today. Still got a lot of great friends and teammates that live back there. So the opportunity to go back to Oklahoma — wish they were coming to Knoxville first, but I say that jokingly — but looking forward to that opportunity. That's a long ways down the road, man. Focused on '23. But that'll be a unique day in my career, obviously, to go back there."
It sounds like Heupel has fond memories of Oklahoma — as he should considering he won a national championship there — but that's a chapter of his life that's essentially closed.
As for the complicated part, it seems that any issues Heupel might have with Oklahoma have more to do with Bob Stoops than the actual program itself.
It will certainly be a unique day for Heupel in 2024 when he returns to Norman, but like he said — that's a long way away. Heupel is focused on 2023 and nothing else.
Featured image via Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK