Willie Martinez was on Josh Heupel's original Tennessee coaching staff in 2021, and their relationship goes back much further.

Kurt Schmidt worked with Josh Heupel for nine years at three different schools. But Tennessee football will not renew his contract.

Josh Heupel has already taken a step to change things up, firing defensive coordinator Tim Banks. Veteran Jim Knowles now takes over following the bowl, set to finalize his staff which could come with more changes. After that comes the transfer portal, where Tennessee obviously needs to attack.

The 2025 offseason was a long one for Josh Heupel and the Tennessee Volunteers, figuring out the quarterback position. Now, it looks like Heupel will once again need to look at finding a new quarterback this offseason.