Josh Heupel’s arrival as the head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers marked a significant shift in the program’s direction, following a turbulent period under Jeremy Pruitt. When Heupel took over in January 2021, one of the key challenges he faced was the inherited roster, which was largely shaped by Pruitt’s recruiting strategies. Moving on from Pruitt’s recruits wasn’t merely a matter of player development or on-field performance—it also had deep implications for the long-term health of the Tennessee football program.
Understanding the Pruitt Era
Jeremy Pruitt took the reins at Tennessee in 2018 after an unsuccessful search for a new head coach, following the firing of Butch Jones. Pruitt came to Tennessee with a solid reputation as a recruiter, having spent years as an assistant coach at Alabama, Florida State, and Georgia, known for bringing in top-tier talent. Early on, it seemed that Pruitt’s recruiting prowess could help revitalize the Volunteers’ program, which had been languishing in mediocrity for years.
However, despite Pruitt’s recruiting success, his tenure at Tennessee was riddled with instability and off-field issues. While he brought in highly ranked recruiting classes, the results on the field didn’t match the talent on the roster. Pruitt’s Tennessee teams were inconsistent, often underperforming in crucial games and unable to build the sustained success needed to elevate the program. In addition, the recruiting scandal that broke in January 2021, involving alleged violations of NCAA rules, led to Pruitt’s firing after just three seasons.
By the time Josh Heupel was hired as Tennessee’s new head coach, the program was left with the aftermath of Pruitt’s recruiting, including several players who may not have fit Heupel’s offensive or defensive system. Heupel, known for his high-tempo, high-scoring offense and ability to develop quarterbacks, needed to quickly assess whether the players Pruitt had recruited were capable of thriving in his system, or whether a fresh start was necessary.
Heupel’s Approach to Pruitt’s Recruits
When Josh Heupel took over the program, he faced several immediate decisions. Would he stick with Pruitt’s recruits, or would he make changes by turning the page and bringing in his own players? Ultimately, Heupel chose to take a pragmatic approach, assessing the talent on the roster while also making some tough decisions. Several key elements shaped Heupel’s approach to moving on from Pruitt’s recruits:
- System Fit and Scheme Adjustments: Heupel’s offensive system was built around a fast-paced, no-huddle approach, designed to stretch defenses and score quickly. Pruitt, on the other hand, had run a more traditional, pro-style offense with an emphasis on ball control. The difference in offensive philosophies meant that many of Pruitt’s recruits, especially on the offensive side of the ball, weren’t necessarily suited to Heupel’s up-tempo scheme. Heupel had to evaluate whether these players could adapt to the new system, or if they needed to be replaced with recruits better suited to his style.
- Quarterback Play and Development: One of the most critical positions that needed attention was quarterback. Pruitt’s tenure saw inconsistent play under center, with several quarterbacks failing to live up to expectations. Heupel, who had developed quarterbacks at UCF, needed to determine whether Pruitt’s recruits at the position were capable of running his system. He chose to move forward with Hendon Hooker, a transfer from Virginia Tech, who had the mobility and playmaking ability to thrive in Heupel’s offense, while other quarterbacks from the Pruitt era, such as Harrison Bailey and Brian Maurer, were relegated to backup roles or left the program.
- Defensive Rebuilding: While Heupel’s focus was primarily on revamping the offense, he also had to contend with a Tennessee defense that had struggled under Pruitt. Pruitt, a defensive-minded coach, had recruited heavily on that side of the ball, but his defensive schemes often lacked the necessary cohesion and execution. Heupel needed to decide whether to retain Pruitt’s defensive recruits or bring in players that would better fit his vision for the defense. Ultimately, Heupel made several moves to bolster the defensive line and secondary through recruiting and the transfer portal, signaling his desire to build a defense that could complement his offense.
- Transfer Portal Utilization: One of Heupel’s most strategic moves was his aggressive use of the transfer portal. In addition to retaining some of Pruitt’s recruits, Heupel also brought in several transfers to fill gaps in the roster. This move allowed him to supplement the team with players who had experience in college football and were more accustomed to the pace and style of Heupel’s offense. Players like Hooker and offensive lineman Cade Mays helped provide immediate leadership and stability, allowing Heupel to continue to develop the younger recruits he had inherited.
- Player Development and Program Culture: Another challenge Heupel faced was instilling his culture and player development strategies in a locker room that had been influenced by Pruitt’s regime. Pruitt’s tenure had been marked by turmoil and division, with reports of player dissatisfaction and instability within the program. Heupel, known for his positive and inclusive leadership style, worked to rebuild the team’s culture by focusing on accountability, discipline, and a clear vision for the future. Many of Pruitt’s recruits, particularly those who had been high-profile signings, needed to buy into Heupel’s new approach in order to stay with the program.
Why It Matters: The Long-Term Impact
Heupel’s decision to move on from some of Pruitt’s recruits and adapt the roster to his system was a calculated move that would have long-term ramifications for the Tennessee football program. There are several reasons why this transition mattered:
- Building a Winning Culture: The most immediate impact of moving on from Pruitt’s recruits was the ability to build a winning culture. Heupel’s first season at Tennessee was largely successful, considering the program’s previous struggles. By bringing in players who fit his system and establishing a clear direction, Heupel laid the foundation for a more consistent and competitive team. The culture shift was necessary to restore hope to a fan base that had grown disillusioned with the team’s inconsistency and off-field issues.
- Roster Alignment with the Offensive Philosophy: Moving on from Pruitt’s recruits allowed Heupel to fully align the roster with his offensive philosophy. A quarterback like Hendon Hooker, with the ability to make plays with both his arm and legs, was more suited to Heupel’s fast-paced offense than any of Pruitt’s recruits. Similarly, Heupel was able to recruit players who could excel in his system, ensuring that the program had a consistent pipeline of talent moving forward.
- Attracting Future Recruits: By moving on from Pruitt’s recruits and bringing in players who fit his system, Heupel was able to establish a clear identity for Tennessee football. This was important for attracting future recruits. The volatility of Pruitt’s tenure had left Tennessee’s recruiting efforts in flux, and many top players were hesitant to commit to a program that had seen so much turnover. Heupel’s success in his first year, combined with his ability to reshape the roster and implement his system, helped reassure future recruits that Tennessee was heading in the right direction.
- Maximizing Talent: While Pruitt’s recruiting classes were highly ranked, many of his recruits struggled to reach their full potential under his coaching staff. By moving on from players who weren’t able to fit into Heupel’s system and replacing them with those who could thrive, Heupel maximized the potential of his roster. This led to a more competitive team and, over time, a program capable of contending in the SEC.
- Sustained Success and Competitiveness: Ultimately, Heupel’s success in transitioning away from Pruitt’s recruits was about building a foundation for sustained success. While the immediate results in 2021 were promising, the long-term goal was to create a Tennessee football program that could consistently compete in the SEC, attract elite talent, and win championships. By moving on from Pruitt’s recruits, Heupel took the necessary steps to build a program that could achieve this goal.
