Sources: Tennessee targeting national champion, FootballScoop award-winning coach
FootballScoop.com • • sports
Key Points:
- Derek Owings has accepted the position as the University of Tennessee's new director of strength and conditioning for the football program, reuniting with head coach Josh Heupel, with whom he previously worked at UCF in 2018.
- Tennessee is offering Owings a salary exceeding $1 million, surpassing his previous contract at Indiana, reflecting the high demand for his expertise following his recognition as FootballScoop Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year.
- Owings replaces Kurt Schmidt, whose contract was not renewed after Tennessee's underwhelming 2025 season marked by criticism over physicality and a late-season collapse, leading to several coaching staff changes by Heupel.
- Owings brings extensive experience from Indiana, James
