Paul Finebaum Stuns with “Average” Grade for Tennessee’s Josh Heupel

The college football coaching carousel is slowing down. Analysts are now grading the new hires. SEC Network voice Paul Finebaum recently gave one-word reviews for many programs. His grade for Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel has sparked conversation.

Heupel just finished his fifth season leading the Volunteers. Finebaum’s one-word assessment was blunt: “Average.” This comes despite Heupel’s objectively strong win-loss record at Tennessee.

Heupel’s Record Tells a Different Story

The numbers contradict the “average” label. Josh Heupel just coached his 100th career game. His overall record is an impressive 73-27.

He has two double-digit win seasons at Tennessee. The Volunteers went 11-2 in 2022. They also made the College Football Playoff in 2023 with a 10-3 mark.

However, the other three seasons under Heupel were less stellar. Tennessee posted 7-5, 8-4, and 8-4 records in those years. This inconsistency defines the current critique of his tenure.

The SEC’s Relentless Standard

The Southeastern Conference sets a brutal benchmark. Programs like Georgia and Alabama are perennial national contenders. New powers like Texas and Ole Miss have also risen consistently.

Tennessee has struggled to break into that elite tier. According to analysis from sources like ESPN, they remain a clear step below the conference’s very best. The Vols are often seen as the sixth or seventh-best program in the SEC currently.

This places Heupel in a tough spot. His record is far better than many peers. Yet the expectation in Knoxville is to compete for championships, not just win games.

The program has shown flashes of greatness under his leadership. The 2022 season was a clear highlight. Sustaining that peak level has proven difficult in the nation’s toughest conference.

Finebaum’s “average” label for Josh Heupel simplifies a complex tenure. The win total is excellent. The consistency against elite competition remains the unanswered question for Tennessee football.

Dropping this nugget your way-

What is Josh Heupel’s overall coaching record?

Josh Heupel’s career head coaching record is 73 wins and 27 losses. This includes his time at UCF and his five seasons at the University of Tennessee.

Has Tennessee won an SEC title under Josh Heupel?

No, Tennessee has not won an SEC championship under Josh Heupel. The team has not yet appeared in the SEC Championship Game during his five-year tenure.

What was Tennessee’s best season with Heupel?

The 2022 season was statistically the best. Tennessee finished with an 11-2 record. That season featured a major win over Alabama and an Orange Bowl victory.

Why did Paul Finebaum call Heupel “average”?

Finebaum’s critique likely stems from Tennessee’s inconsistency. The team has alternated between great and good seasons, failing to become a permanent top-tier SEC contender.

Is Josh Heupel’s job at Tennessee in danger?

No, his job is not considered to be in immediate danger. His overall winning percentage remains high. The expectation is for him to build more season-to-season consistency.