Josh Heupel, Tennessee agree to contract extension through 2030

Josh Heupel has agreed to a long-term contract extension at Tennessee, the school announced. The deal runs through January 2030, making it a one-year extension.

Under the new deal, Heupel’s salary will remain at $9 million, according to VolQuest. That figure means he’s still tied with Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz as the sixth-highest paid coach in the SEC. However, the deal also amends his buyout.

If terminated before Dec. 15, 2025, Heupel would be due the full amount remaining on his contract. That figure drops to 75% after that date and before Dec. 15, 2027. If Heupel leaves on his own before Dec. 15, 2025, he would owe the university $8 million. That number drops by $2 million per year over the following two years.

Heupel is preparing for his sixth season on Rocky Top, and the Vols are coming off a College Football Playoff appearance last year. All told, he has a 37-15 overall record – including a 20-12 mark in SEC play – and Tennessee has won at least nine games each of the last three years.

Tuesday’s announcement marks the third straight year Heupel has received a contract extension. Last year, his deal was extended through 2029, and he now gets an additional year.

“I greatly appreciate the support of Danny White, President Boyd and Chancellor Plowman,” Heupel said in a statement. “During an era of change in our sport, their leadership and commitment to helping us build a championship football program is strong.

“We took over a program in 2021 during a turbulent time. We quickly built a resilient, player-driven culture and have enjoyed great success on and off the field, but there is still much left to do. I am excited about the future of Tennessee Football, and I can’t wait to run through the T once again with Vol Nation proudly supporting us.”

Tennessee athletics director Danny White also released a statement on Josh Heupel’s contract extension. He reiterated the school’s commitment to supporting Heupel and the staff as the program looks to continue its recent success under his watch.

“The revival of our football program under Josh’s leadership has made everyone in Big Orange Country proud to be a Vol,” White said. “Josh has brought Tennessee Football back to its rightful place among the nation’s elite programs, and he and his staff have fostered a positive culture within the team. Our commitment to supporting Josh and his staff remains strong and unwavering.”