In the two seasons Josh Heupel has been the head coach at Tennessee, he has seen a massive amount of success.
This includes wins over Alabama, Florida and LSU in 2022 along with an Orange Bowl victory over Clemson. He was even the coach that pushed the Vols to their first No. 1 spot in the College Football Playoff rankings in program history.
However, this hasn't saved him from criticism by opposing fans and pundits. The biggest knock on the coach has been his approach to offense.
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Instead of taking the typical style of college offense to Tennessee, Heupel stuck to his guns and used the same system that previously brought him success. While upping the pace and spreading out the to the last inches of the field, it has resulted in arguably the nation's most effective attack in the country.
While this pads the stats of his offensive pieces, many are quick to say it shouldn't be looked into and it won't translate to the NFL level. This may be part of the reason reigning Biletnikoff Award winner Jalin Hyatt slipped to the third round before being picked in the 2023 draft.
Despite the fall, Hyatt ended up in a good fit with the New York Giants. The franchise were ecstatic to land the talented and speedy wideout after trading into the pick and were quick to make the move to scoop him up.
Early in the team's training camp ahead of Hyatt's rookie year, he has impressed. This has come as he utilized his speed and skillset to make plays in open space and find the end zone.
After practice on Friday, head coach Brian Daboll was asked about the narrative that Heupel's offense is drastically different from the NFL's. The Giants' coach was quick to silence any of the negative notions, though.
"I mean, I wouldn't say it's really that different," said Daboll. "I know everybody — I think Josh (Heupel) does a fantastic job (at Tennessee). Runs a lot of good football plays. He executed them well, Jalin (Hyatt) did. Everybody runs a different offense. It's not exactly the same, but Josh (Heupel) has had a pretty dynamic offense ever since he's coached."
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Daboll took over the job last season after spending time as the Buffalo Bills' offensive coordinator since 2018. He also has previous experience with Alabama and New England Patriots. His tenure as a coach has resulted in five Super Bowl rings and a college football National Championship.
Now, he is praising Heupel's offense for running effective plays and putting up points. He clearly doesn't have a worry on the effect it has on player development, either.
With five Tennessee players being drafted and four coming on the offensive side of the ball, the former Vols' performances at the next level will be closely monitored by opposing teams. The chance to point to examples of less than optimal pro careers could benefit other teams on the recruiting trail.
With the seal of approval from Daboll, it looks like some of football's best offensive minds are confident it will work out, though.
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