Josh Heupel, a familiar face in Norman, finds himself in a unique situation. Now standing on the podium in Tennessee orange, Heupel prepares to face the Sooners in their first SEC game as the head coach of the opposing team.
During his annual appearance at SEC Media Days in Dallas on Tuesday, Heupel, previewing his fourth season with the Vols, addressed several key issues. He discussed his team’s roster, last season’s shortcomings, and his high expectations for new starting quarterback Nico Lamaleava.
However, the topic that drew the most attention was Heupel’s highly anticipated return to Norman, as the Sooners begin their first year in the SEC.
Heupel is a well-known figure in Norman, having led the Sooners to their last football National Championship in 2000 as a quarterback and having served as a coach for a short period. Now, he prepares to stand on the opposing sideline in Tennessee orange for the Sooners’ first SEC game.
“It’ll be unique for myself to be on the other sideline,” Heupel said. “Obviously, there’s been a lot of Saturdays where I was on the home sideline. But there are so many great teammates and friends that will be there. I have great respect for the university and the program.
“A lot of friends and former teammates will be coaching on the opposing sideline that day. It’ll be unique to be back there, but I’m excited to be there.”
Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables, who was the co-defensive coordinator during the Sooners’ National Championship season, also spoke about Heupel.
“I have this deep appreciation for Josh,” Venables said. “As a player, he was instrumental in our National Championship. His leadership, transformation of our locker room, and the toughness he displayed throughout the 2000 season were exceptional. I’ve always held him in high regard.”
Heupel’s return to Norman for the Sooners’ first SEC game is just one of many storylines that Venables and his staff will face that Saturday. It will be a unique situation for Heupel, standing on the opposing sideline of a place where he once played and coached. But ultimately, he has a job to do.
“I’ve got family that still lives back there, a lot of friends, teammates, and coaches that stay in contact. It will be a unique Saturday,” Heupel said.
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