Josh Heupel Declines Penn State Coaching Opportunity

The Penn State Nittany Lions are in the midst of a significant coaching search following the dismissal of head coach James Franklin early in the 2025 season. As other major college football programs, including LSU, Florida, and Auburn, have successfully filled their head coaching vacancies, Penn State remains one of the last prominent programs without a new leader. The search has been complicated by the need for an established candidate who can meet the high expectations associated with the program.

NewsweekJosh Heupel slams Tennessee coaching rumors by throwing Penn State fully under the busOutKick

Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel emerged as a leading candidate for the Penn State position, with his name circulating in various reports and even appearing as a betting favorite on prediction markets. However, Heupel has firmly denied any interest in the role. In a statement to college football insider Chris Low, Heupel expressed his commitment to Tennessee, stating, “I wouldn’t want low expectations. That’s part of why I want to be here. We’ll win big.” This comment suggests that Heupel perceives greater potential for success at Tennessee compared to Penn State.

Sports IllustratedJosh Heupel comments on rumored interest in Penn State coaching jobJosh Heupel slams Tennessee coaching rumors by throwing Penn State fully under the bus

Heupel has been the head coach at Tennessee since January 2021, achieving a record of 45-19 over five seasons, including an 8-4 record in the 2025 regular season. His tenure has seen the Volunteers return to prominence, highlighted by an 11-win season in 2022 and a College Football Playoff appearance in 2023. Despite a recent setback with a loss to Vanderbilt, Heupel's leadership has provided stability to a program that struggled for over a decade prior to his arrival.

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Heupel's comments regarding Penn State have drawn criticism from fans and commentators alike. Some perceive his remarks as dismissive of the Nittany Lions' historical significance and expectations. Critics argue that his approach could be seen as unnecessarily confrontational, especially given that Franklin had a successful tenure at Penn State prior to his firing.

OutKick

In response to the ongoing speculation about his future, Heupel has reiterated his dedication to the Volunteers. His statements reflect a desire to continue building on the progress made at Tennessee, where he has secured a lucrative contract extension worth $45 million through January 2030.

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With Heupel officially out of the running, Penn State must continue its search for a new head coach. Other candidates being considered include BYU head coach Kalani Sitake and former New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll. The Nittany Lions are under pressure to find a suitable replacement who can meet the program's aspirations for success.

Newsweek

• “I wouldn’t want low expectations. That’s part of why I want to be here. We’ll win big.” — Josh Heupel, Head Coach, Tennessee Volunteers

Josh Heupel slams Tennessee coaching rumors by throwing Penn State fully under the bus

• “I’ve not heard Josh’s name at Penn State among anybody that I believe or trust.” — Chris Low, College Football Insider

Newsweek

In summary, Josh Heupel's decision to remain at Tennessee underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Penn State in its coaching search, as the program seeks a leader capable of restoring its competitive edge in college football.

Sports Illustrated