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In the world of college football, fan passion often runs high, and it doesn’t take much for opinions to get heated. Fans’ expectations for success, however lofty, can create a tense atmosphere around coaching staff, especially when things aren’t going as planned. Recently, Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel found himself under fire from some segments of the fanbase. With a fair amount of criticism coming his way, it was a familiar voice in college football media that stepped up in his defense: Paul Finebaum.

Finebaum, a well-known college football commentator and radio personality, has earned a reputation for offering sharp insights and sometimes provocative opinions on the state of college football. While he’s known for taking aim at both players and coaches when warranted, Finebaum recently offered his strong support for Heupel, emphasizing that the Tennessee coach deserves more time to build the program. Heupel’s tenure, though still young, has brought the Vols back to national relevance after years of mediocrity, yet it has not been without its growing pains.

The Rise of Josh Heupel at Tennessee

When Josh Heupel was hired as Tennessee’s head coach in January 2021, the program was in a difficult position. After years of underperformance, coaching changes, and off-field drama, Tennessee was desperately seeking a leader who could restore its former glory. Heupel, previously the head coach at UCF, was seen as an offensive-minded coach with a knack for developing explosive offenses. His success with UCF, where he led the team to an undefeated season in 2017, made him an attractive option for Tennessee’s athletic department.

In his first year at Tennessee, Heupel immediately brought a sense of excitement to the program. The Volunteers went 7-6 in his first season, a record that was seen as an encouraging sign of progress. Heupel’s high-tempo, pass-heavy offense quickly earned a reputation for being dynamic and entertaining, even as the team experienced some growing pains. The program’s offense became one of the most exciting in the SEC, led by quarterback Hendon Hooker, who would go on to have an impressive career under Heupel’s system.

In 2022, the Volunteers took a massive leap forward. Tennessee finished the regular season with an 11-2 record, highlighted by a stunning 44-6 victory over LSU and a thrilling win against Alabama. The Vols earned a spot in the College Football Playoff discussion, something that had seemed unattainable just a few years prior. This performance garnered widespread praise for Heupel and his ability to turn around a struggling program in such a short amount of time. The optimism surrounding Tennessee football had been rekindled, and for the first time in years, fans could reasonably dream of competing at the highest level of college football.

However, success does not always come with smooth sailing, and it wasn’t long before the criticism began to surface.

The Criticism of Josh Heupel

Despite the positive strides made during his first two seasons, Heupel has faced some harsh criticism from Tennessee fans in recent months. Much of the ire has been directed at his team’s performance in 2023, particularly after a tough loss to rival Georgia, a game in which the Vols were outclassed in a 38-10 defeat. Following that loss, some fans began questioning Heupel’s ability to compete with the perennial powerhouses of the SEC, especially with Alabama, Georgia, and LSU continuing to dominate the conference.

The offense, once viewed as a high-flying juggernaut, has also come under fire. Critics have pointed to inconsistencies in Heupel’s offensive system, with some arguing that it was too dependent on the playmaking ability of quarterback Hendon Hooker. In his absence during the 2023 season, Tennessee struggled to replicate the same level of success, leading to questions about the program’s ability to develop talent beyond one key player.

Despite these concerns, Heupel’s supporters argue that it is far too early to make sweeping judgments. After all, the program is still in the midst of a rebuild, and sustained success in the SEC requires time, depth, and a bit of luck. Furthermore, the loss of a key player like Hooker would cause significant challenges for any program, especially one trying to compete at the highest levels of college football.

Finebaum’s Defense of Heupel

In the face of growing criticism, Paul Finebaum has stepped in to offer a strong defense of Heupel. On his popular radio show and in various media appearances, Finebaum has repeatedly stated that fans need to give Heupel more time to build the program. He has pointed out that Tennessee is in a much better position than it was before Heupel took over, and that even though 2023 didn’t live up to expectations, the foundation for success is being laid.

Finebaum has been particularly vocal about the importance of patience, especially when it comes to coaching in the competitive SEC. He has drawn parallels between Heupel’s situation and the early years of other successful coaches, suggesting that even the likes of Nick Saban and Kirby Smart faced struggles before reaching their current levels of dominance. “Coaching in the SEC is never easy,” Finebaum said, “but if you look at the trajectory of this program, you see a clear path forward.”

Heupel’s focus on recruiting, particularly in areas like offensive line and defense, is another aspect Finebaum has highlighted. While Tennessee’s offensive scheme is often the focal point of discussions, Finebaum argues that Heupel has shown an ability to recruit talent that will eventually help the Vols become a more well-rounded team capable of competing with the SEC’s elite.

Moreover, Finebaum pointed to Heupel’s resilience in handling the pressure and challenges that come with being the head coach at a storied program like Tennessee. “Heupel came in at a tough time,” Finebaum continued. “But he’s not backing down. He’s going to keep pushing forward, and he’s building something that could be very special in the near future.”

The Bigger Picture: Building for the Future

Finebaum’s support for Heupel comes at a critical time, when Tennessee fans are wrestling with the highs and lows of the current season. It’s easy to forget that Heupel’s work is not just about the immediate results but about the long-term growth of the program. Recruiting, player development, and establishing a winning culture take time, particularly at a school that hasn’t been consistently relevant in the SEC for nearly two decades.

It’s also important to consider the broader context of the college football landscape. The SEC is one of the most competitive conferences in the nation, with top-tier programs like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU constantly vying for national championships. Tennessee, while a proud program with a rich history, has to fight an uphill battle to break into the upper echelon of college football once again. Heupel, in his relatively short tenure, has made significant strides in that direction, and the Vols are poised to continue improving in the years to come.

While criticism is always part of the game, particularly for high-profile coaches like Heupel, Finebaum’s defense serves as a reminder that success in college football is rarely instantaneous. It’s a process, and patience is essential, especially when you’re trying to rebuild a program with the level of resources and expectations that Tennessee carries.

Conclusion

Paul Finebaum’s defense of Josh Heupel is not just an endorsement of the coach’s abilities, but also a reminder of the importance of perspective in the fast-paced world of college football. The road to success is rarely straight, and the challenges Heupel faces at Tennessee are not unique. While some fans may be quick to criticize, Finebaum’s words offer a needed dose of reality. With continued focus on recruiting, player development, and building a program culture, Josh Heupel is laying the groundwork for Tennessee to return to its rightful place among college football’s elite programs. Fans may need to exercise some patience, but the potential is there – and Finebaum’s confidence in Heupel is a testament to that.