Josh Heupel says relationship with Oklahoma 'isn't complicated'
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Josh Heupel has no ill will toward Oklahoma, despite an awkward exit from his alma mater nearly a decade ago.
The former Sooners quarterback from 1999-2000 and play-caller from 2011-2014, has had an interesting relationship with his alma mater. He won the program’s last national title and is one of the school’s greatest quarterbacks, finishing runner-up for the Heisman Trophy in 2000. But when he returned to Norman in 2006 as an assistant coach, it didn’t go as planned. Head coach Bob Stoops let his former quarterback go after four seasons as the team’s offensive coordinator.
But now, nine years later and the head coach at Tennessee, Heupel says he doesn’t have a complicated relationship with OU. And he’s excited to return to Norman in 2024 when Oklahoma joins the SEC.
“The relationship with Oklahoma really isn’t complicated,” Heupel said. “I’ve got nothing but great memories of the people and my time there. I certainly do. I got a chance to speak about Mike Leach a few minutes ago backstage in an interview. And everybody there helped shape who I am and where I’m at today. I’ve still got a lot of great friends and teammates that live back there.
“The opportunity to go back to Oklahoma, I wish they were coming to Knoxville first. I say that jokingly. But looking forward to that opportunity. That’s a long ways down the road. Focused on 2023. But that will be a unique day in my career, obviously, to go back there.”
Heupel is also currently on the ballot for the College Football Hall of Fame for his time at Oklahoma. During his time at OU, Heupel threw for 7,066 yards and 50 touchdowns.
“It’s a great honor to be looked at in that way. To be on the ballot, potentially a part of the Hall of Fame,” Heupel said. “A year ago, got the opportunity to recognize one of our teammates, Roy Williams, that got a chance to go in. A special player. Had such an impact on the game and certainly what we did there at Oklahoma. Those things only happen though because of the players I got an opportunity to be in the locker room with every single day. Forever grateful to all of those guys. All the guys on the offensive side of the ball, the five offensive linemen, but everybody on that team.
“It was a special team. It’s certainly made a huge impact on my life. It’s part of why I’m up here today, to be honest. Forever indebted to those guys and very appreciative. But humbled by that recognition as well.”
