Tennessee Volunteers Coach Breaks Silence on Why He’s Not Joining the GM Craze in College Football
In recent years, the landscape of college football has undergone a profound transformation. From NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals to the rise of the transfer portal, the game has changed in ways that once seemed unthinkable. But perhaps one of the most significant changes has been the increasing trend of college football coaches embracing the role of general manager (GM). Many of today’s top college coaches have adopted the responsibilities typically associated with NFL GMs—handling player acquisition, roster management, and even recruiting as part of a more centralized decision-making process.
However, not all coaches have followed suit. Josh Heupel, head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers, stands out as one of the few coaches who has publicly chosen to distance himself from the GM craze sweeping across the college football world. Heupel, who has steadily rebuilt Tennessee’s football program into a formidable force in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), recently spoke out about his approach to coaching and team-building, explaining why he has opted not to fully embrace the GM trend that has captured the attention of many in the sport.
In this article, we explore Heupel’s decision to stay away from the GM craze, his philosophy on coaching, roster management, and team-building, and how his approach is shaping the future of Tennessee football. Additionally, we examine the broader context of college football’s evolution and what it means for the next generation of coaches, players, and fans.
The Rise of the GM Craze in College Football
To understand why Heupel’s decision is significant, it’s important to take a closer look at the evolution of college football in recent years. Historically, college coaches focused primarily on developing talent, game planning, and leading their teams on the field. The role of managing the roster, however, was often left to athletic directors, recruiting coordinators, and position coaches.
But in the modern era of college football, a new model has emerged in which head coaches have taken on more responsibility when it comes to building their teams. With the explosion of NIL deals and the transfer portal, college football coaches now face a dynamic, ever-shifting roster landscape. As a result, the idea of a college football coach acting as a “general manager”—similar to an NFL GM—has gained traction.
In essence, coaches have begun taking on multiple roles within their programs, overseeing everything from recruiting to roster management and even NIL negotiations. Programs like Alabama, Georgia, and Texas A&M have seen head coaches like Nick Saban, Kirby Smart, and Jimbo Fisher adopt a GM-like approach. These coaches are actively involved in roster decisions, targeting specific players in the transfer portal, and negotiating NIL deals with boosters and collectives to secure top-tier talent.
The desire to adopt a GM mentality is rooted in the modern demands of college football. With the sport becoming increasingly professionalized and competitive, coaches recognize the need to build a team that is not only talented but also adaptable to a constantly changing landscape. The transfer portal has created an environment where players can leave programs at any time, forcing coaches to be constantly vigilant in managing their rosters. NIL deals have further added to the complexity of recruiting, as coaches must navigate the financial landscape while also ensuring they bring in the best players.
As a result, many college coaches have embraced the idea of acting as their own general managers, overseeing player transactions, making roster decisions, and ensuring that their teams are constantly improving. For some coaches, this has become a natural evolution in the profession, and they believe it gives them more control over their programs’ futures.
Josh Heupel’s Approach: A Focus on Coaching, Not Roster Management
In contrast to the growing trend, Josh Heupel has firmly resisted the idea of taking on the role of a general manager. As the head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers, Heupel has prioritized coaching and developing talent over directly managing his team’s roster and NIL deals. In a recent interview, Heupel explained his reasoning behind staying away from the GM craze, offering insights into his philosophy on team-building, coaching, and what it takes to build a successful program.
“Football is about developing players, building a culture, and creating a team that believes in each other. That’s my focus,” Heupel said during the interview. “I’m not worried about being the GM. I’m worried about getting the best out of the guys who are already here and making sure they have the tools to succeed, both on and off the field. There are people in place within our program who are better equipped to handle roster management and the intricacies of the NIL landscape. I trust them to do their jobs, just as I trust our coaching staff to develop players.”
Heupel’s decision to focus on coaching rather than roster management is rooted in his belief that the success of a football program depends primarily on its culture, its coaching staff, and its ability to develop players. Heupel understands that while NIL and the transfer portal are significant factors in the current college football ecosystem, the heart of the game lies in the relationships between players and coaches, as well as the growth and development of each individual player.
Instead of immersing himself in the nitty-gritty of roster decisions, Heupel has placed his trust in his support staff, including recruiting coordinators and NIL specialists, to manage the day-to-day operations of roster building. He believes this approach allows him to focus on what he does best—coaching players, developing a winning system, and preparing his team for the challenges of the SEC.
The Role of Trust in Heupel’s Philosophy
One of the key elements of Heupel’s approach is his emphasis on trust. Trusting his coaching staff, his support team, and his players is at the core of Heupel’s philosophy. Heupel believes that his role as a coach is to develop a team-first culture where players work together toward a common goal. By focusing on coaching and allowing his staff to handle roster management, Heupel is able to foster an environment of mutual respect and accountability.
Heupel has surrounded himself with a talented staff that includes experienced recruiting coordinators and NIL experts. This allows him to delegate the tasks associated with roster management to the people who specialize in these areas, ensuring that Tennessee’s program remains competitive in the modern recruiting landscape.
“We have a great group of people who are handling the business side of things,” Heupel said. “My job is to focus on what happens on the field, and I have full confidence in the people around me to handle the rest. We have a great staff, and they’re doing an incredible job of bringing in the right players who fit our culture.”
This trust in his staff not only allows Heupel to focus on coaching but also sends a message to his players that they are the primary focus of the program. Rather than getting bogged down by the complexities of NIL deals or roster turnover, Heupel prioritizes the development of his players—both as athletes and as individuals.
The Impact of Heupel’s Approach on Tennessee Football
Heupel’s decision to stay away from the GM craze has had a significant impact on Tennessee’s football program. In just a short period of time, Heupel has revitalized the Volunteers, transforming them from an SEC afterthought to one of the most dangerous teams in the conference. His emphasis on coaching, culture, and player development has paid off in the form of a high-powered offense and an exciting brand of football that has captivated fans.
Under Heupel’s leadership, Tennessee has become a hotbed for offensive talent, attracting some of the best recruits in the country. The Volunteers’ high-tempo offense has allowed Heupel to showcase his innovative approach to the game, while his coaching staff has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to build a strong, competitive roster. This focus on player development and team culture has led to a resurgence in Tennessee football, with the program achieving notable success in both recruiting and on-field performance.
Additionally, Heupel’s decision to avoid the GM craze has allowed Tennessee to maintain a sense of stability within the program. While other schools may be caught up in the whirlwind of NIL deals and transfer portal movement, Heupel’s steady approach has helped Tennessee weather the storm. By keeping his focus on coaching and player development, Heupel has ensured that the Volunteers are prepared to compete at the highest level without getting distracted by the latest trends.
The Bigger Picture: Is the GM Craze Sustainable?
As college football continues to evolve, the question remains: Is the GM craze sustainable in the long run? While some coaches have found success in taking on the GM role, others may eventually find that the added responsibility of managing the business side of things takes away from their primary focus—coaching. The balance between developing players and managing a roster has never been more difficult, and as the NIL landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether coaches can maintain success while acting as their own general managers.
Josh Heupel’s approach stands in contrast to the growing trend of coaches taking on GM-like roles. His belief in focusing on coaching and trusting his support staff to handle the complexities of roster management is a refreshing alternative to the GM craze. As Tennessee continues to rise under Heupel’s leadership, his approach may serve as a blueprint for other coaches who want to maintain focus on their primary responsibility: coaching their players to success.
Josh Heupel’s decision not to join the GM craze in college football reflects his deep belief in the importance of culture, player development, and trust. By focusing on coaching and delegating roster management to his support staff, Heupel has been able to build a program at Tennessee that prioritizes the development of players and the overall success of the team. While the GM approach works for some, Heupel’s commitment to his core philosophy has allowed Tennessee to thrive in a rapidly changing college football landscape. As the sport continues to evolve, Heupel’s example may inspire other coaches to find a balance between the business side of the game and the core principles of coaching.
