Tennessee Vols head coach Josh Heupel, despite his success and fortune, continues to rock an iPhone 7 in 2025, proving he values function over flash.

In a world where status symbols often define the way we perceive success, one individual has opted to remain unaffected by the allure of luxury gadgets and technology trends. Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel, a man who has found immense success in the high-stakes world of college football, is not only leading a powerhouse program but also staying grounded in his personal life, as evidenced by his continued use of an iPhone 7—long after the device’s prime. In a time when top-tier athletes, coaches, and even fans are consumed by the latest and greatest tech, Heupel’s choice to stick with an outdated model speaks volumes about his character and philosophy.

While this may seem like a small detail in the grand scheme of Heupel’s coaching career, it offers a fascinating glimpse into his mindset—both on and off the field. It’s not just about football; it’s about values, priorities, and what Heupel holds dear. His commitment to keeping an iPhone 7 in 2025 serves as a metaphor for his broader approach to life, one that values practicality, efficiency, and substance over superficiality.

The Rise of Josh Heupel: Success Through Simplicity

Josh Heupel’s journey to becoming the head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers is a story of hard work, persistence, and strategic thinking. After a successful career as a player at the University of Oklahoma, where he led the Sooners to a national championship, Heupel transitioned into coaching, eventually making his mark as an offensive coordinator and head coach. His rise in the coaching ranks was fueled by his ability to bring high-scoring offenses to life, and it was no surprise when Tennessee hired him in 2021 to help bring the program back to national prominence.

Under Heupel’s leadership, the Tennessee Volunteers quickly became one of the most dynamic teams in college football. He introduced a high-octane, up-tempo offense that revitalized the Vols’ offense and turned them into a contender in the SEC. Tennessee’s explosive offensive play style earned them attention, and Heupel’s coaching acumen, paired with the talent on the field, helped elevate the Vols to new heights. His team finished with a historic 11-2 record in the 2022 season and secured a spot in the College Football Playoff, making Heupel one of the most talked-about coaches in the sport.

However, despite this meteoric rise and the lavish praise he received from the media and fans alike, Heupel has never seemed to get caught up in the trappings of fame. His focus has always been on developing his players, staying disciplined in his craft, and putting the team first. It’s no surprise that this humility and pragmatism extend to even his choice of technology.

Why the iPhone 7?

In a time where cutting-edge devices like the iPhone 14 or the latest Android phones are the norm, Heupel’s decision to stick with an iPhone 7 stands out as a deliberate choice. Released in 2016, the iPhone 7 was considered a groundbreaking device when it launched, offering features like improved cameras, water resistance, and a faster processor. However, by 2025, the iPhone 7 has been outpaced by numerous advancements in smartphone technology. The fact that Heupel continues to use this older model raises a few questions: Why would someone in his position choose a phone that is, by all accounts, outdated?

For one, the answer may lie in Heupel’s belief in function over flash. The iPhone 7, despite being several generations old, still functions perfectly well. It performs basic tasks—calls, texts, emails, and access to important apps—without any issues. For Heupel, this simplicity may be all he needs. He’s not concerned with having the latest features or flashy designs. What matters most to him is practicality and reliability. In a world where people often upgrade their phones to keep up with trends or impress others, Heupel’s decision to stick with his iPhone 7 speaks to his preference for simplicity and effectiveness over unnecessary indulgence.

Another reason Heupel might choose to keep his iPhone 7 is his focus on efficiency. Heupel is known for running a tight ship, both in terms of his coaching philosophy and personal life. The iPhone 7 does everything he needs without the distractions or complexity that can come with newer models. As a coach who juggles the demands of leading a high-profile program, managing recruits, working with staff, and maintaining his personal life, Heupel likely values a device that is straightforward and doesn’t require constant updates or maintenance. With an iPhone 7, he can perform his necessary tasks without being sidetracked by excessive notifications, updates, or unnecessary features.

The Value of Staying Grounded

Heupel’s continued use of an outdated phone can be viewed as part of a larger ethos: staying grounded and focused on what matters most. In a world where many individuals feel compelled to chase after the latest trends or seek validation through material possessions, Heupel remains steadfast in his belief that success is about substance, not surface-level appearances.

His choice to use the iPhone 7 may seem trivial, but it reflects his approach to life and coaching. He’s not interested in flaunting his success through material goods or flashy technology. Instead, he focuses on building a strong, cohesive team that prioritizes hard work, discipline, and performance over external recognition. In many ways, his continued use of the iPhone 7 serves as a reminder that success is not about what you have; it’s about what you do with what you have.

Moreover, Heupel’s decision to stay with an older phone also suggests a certain level of self-awareness. He doesn’t feel the need to prove anything through external symbols or possessions. Instead, he remains focused on the task at hand—coaching the Tennessee Volunteers and leading them back to the pinnacle of college football. Heupel’s iPhone 7 may be an unassuming device, but it serves as a symbol of his grounded nature and his focus on what truly matters: the players, the team, and the game.

A Lesson in Pragmatism

In the world of college football, where coaches are often surrounded by excess and grandeur, Heupel’s decision to keep using an older model phone offers a valuable lesson in pragmatism. It’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of the latest and greatest gadgets, especially when you’re surrounded by success and wealth. But Heupel’s example shows that it’s possible to thrive and excel without needing to constantly chase after material goods or technological advancements.

This approach extends beyond just Heupel’s choice of phone. It’s reflected in his coaching philosophy, which emphasizes hard work, consistency, and attention to detail. Heupel doesn’t waste time or energy on distractions; instead, he focuses on the fundamentals of coaching and developing his players. His pragmatic approach has paid off, as evidenced by his success at Tennessee, and it continues to shape the culture of the program.

In a world that often prioritizes instant gratification and superficial appearances, Heupel’s decision to stick with his iPhone 7 is a refreshing reminder that success is not about keeping up with the latest trends—it’s about staying true to your values and focusing on what truly matters.

Heupel’s Legacy Beyond the Field

As Heupel continues to build his legacy at Tennessee, his approach to technology serves as a testament to his overall philosophy. While many coaches might use their wealth and status to indulge in the latest gadgets, Heupel’s decision to maintain simplicity reflects a deeper commitment to his principles.

This modesty is something that players, staff, and fans alike can appreciate. It shows that, regardless of his success, Heupel remains humble and grounded. His focus is not on material possessions but on winning games, developing players, and building a winning culture at Tennessee.

In the future, when Heupel’s tenure as head coach of the Volunteers is looked back upon, his legacy will undoubtedly be defined by his on-field accomplishments. But his choice to stick with an iPhone 7, a small yet powerful symbol of his grounded nature, will also be a part of the story. It’s a reminder that success isn’t defined by what you have; it’s defined by what you do with what you have.