History of Josh Heupel in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 27, 2024

"Joshua Kenneth Heupel is a well-known figure in American college football, serving as the head coach at the University of Tennessee. With prior experience as a player and a successful coaching tenure at the University of Central Florida (UCF), where he achieved a notable 28-8 record, Heupel brings a wealth of experience to his current role."

March 22, 1978: Birth of Josh Heupel

Josh Heupel was born on March 22, 1978.

1994: Heupel's High School Breakthrough

In 1994, during his sophomore year at Central High School, Josh Heupel became the starting quarterback in the second half of the first game.

1996: Heupel Starts College Career

Josh Heupel began his collegiate playing career at Weber State University in 1996, redshirting his first year.

1997: Heupel's Freshman Season

In 1997, Josh Heupel played in four games as a freshman at Weber State University.

1998: Heupel Leads Vols to Best Start Since 1998

Josh Heupel led the Tennessee Volunteers to an 8-0 start in his second year, their best start since 1998.

1998: Heupel's Transfer to Snow College

Josh Heupel suffered an ACL injury during spring practice at Weber State in 1998, leading him to transfer to Snow College where he competed for the starting quarterback position.

2000: Heupel Leads Oklahoma to National Championship

In 2000, Josh Heupel led the Oklahoma Sooners to an undefeated season and a BCS National Championship victory over Florida State in the Orange Bowl.

2000: Heupel's Heisman Runner-Up Season

Josh Heupel was the Heisman Trophy runner-up and Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year in 2000.

2001: Heupel Drafted by Dolphins

Josh Heupel was drafted in the sixth round of the 2001 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins, but did not make the final roster.

2001: Heupel's Award-Winning Season and Orange Bowl Victory

Josh Heupel was named a consensus All-American, won the AP Player of the Year and Walter Camp Award, and led Oklahoma to victory over Florida State in the 2001 Orange Bowl.

2001: Tennessee's Most Wins Since 2001

The Tennessee Volunteers had their most wins since 2001 under Josh Heupel's leadership, finishing with an 11-2 record and an Orange Bowl victory over Clemson.

2002: Heupel Signs with Packers

Josh Heupel was signed by the Green Bay Packers in early 2002, but was released before training camp.

2004: Heupel Begins Coaching Career

Josh Heupel began his coaching career as a graduate assistant for Oklahoma in 2004.

2005: Heupel Hired as Tight Ends Coach at Arizona

In 2005, Josh Heupel was hired as the tight ends coach at the University of Arizona.

2006: Heupel Becomes Quarterbacks Coach at Oklahoma

Josh Heupel became the quarterbacks coach at Oklahoma in 2006.

2008: Heupel Coaches Heisman-Winning Quarterback

In 2008, Josh Heupel coached Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford, who went on to win the Heisman Trophy.

December 13, 2010: Heupel Named Co-Offensive Coordinator at Oklahoma

On December 13, 2010, Josh Heupel was named co-offensive coordinator at Oklahoma.

2014: Oklahoma Suffers Bowl Loss

In 2014, Oklahoma, with Josh Heupel as co-offensive coordinator, lost to Clemson in the Russell Athletic Bowl.

January 6, 2015: Heupel Let Go From Oklahoma

On January 6, 2015, Josh Heupel was let go from his position as co-offensive coordinator at Oklahoma as part of a program restructuring.

January 2015: Heupel's Contract Not Renewed at Oklahoma

Josh Heupel's contract as co-offensive coordinator at Oklahoma was not renewed in January 2015 following the season.

January 23, 2015: Heupel Joins Utah State

On January 23, 2015, Josh Heupel was named assistant head coach, offensive coordinator, and quarterbacks coach for the Utah State Aggies.

December 5, 2017: Heupel Named Head Coach of UCF

Josh Heupel was named head coach of the UCF Knights on December 5, 2017, replacing Scott Frost.

December 2017: Heupel Becomes UCF Head Coach

Josh Heupel was named the head coach of the UCF Knights in December 2017.

2018: UCF's Successful Season and Fiesta Bowl Appearance

In 2018, Josh Heupel led the UCF Knights to a 12-1 record, an American Athletic Conference Football Championship, and an appearance in the Fiesta Bowl, where they lost to LSU.

2019: UCF Wins Gasparilla Bowl

In 2019, Josh Heupel led the UCF Knights to a 10-3 record and a victory over Marshall in the Gasparilla Bowl.

2020: UCF's Season Shortened, Loss in Boca Raton Bowl

The UCF Knights, led by Josh Heupel, finished the 2020 season with a 6-4 record in a season shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic, losing to BYU in the Boca Raton Bowl.

January 27, 2021: Heupel Named Head Coach at Tennessee

On January 27, 2021, Josh Heupel was named the 27th head coach at the University of Tennessee.

November 1, 2022: Tennessee Ranked #1 Under Heupel

On November 1, 2022, the University of Tennessee Volunteers were ranked #1 in the initial College Football Playoff rankings under coach Josh Heupel.

January 24, 2023: Heupel's Contract Extended

On January 24, 2023, ESPN reported that the University of Tennessee agreed to a contract extension with Josh Heupel.

2023: Tennessee's Citrus Bowl Victory

In 2023, the Tennessee Volunteers, led by Josh Heupel, finished the season with an 8-4 record and a victory over the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Citrus Bowl.