In a major development in the college football world, former Tennessee Volunteers head coach Butch Jones has officially been hired as the new head coach at Arkansas State University. Jones, who was once the face of Tennessee’s football program during a tumultuous stretch from 2013 to 2017, is returning to the Sun Belt Conference after several years away from a head coaching role. His new appointment at Arkansas State has quickly drawn attention, not just because of his previous high-profile position, but also due to a message Jones reportedly sent to Tennessee Vols head coach Josh Heupel concerning the state of Tennessee football.
Jones, who left Tennessee with a mixed legacy, is bringing a wealth of experience to a program that has long been trying to establish itself as a consistent contender in the Sun Belt. His tenure at Tennessee, while marked by some notable moments, ended under a cloud of disappointment after failing to bring the Vols back to national prominence. However, Jones remains a respected figure in college football circles, known for his recruiting prowess and ability to energize a fanbase, even though he struggled to translate that enthusiasm into wins on the field.
Butch Jones Returns to the Head Coaching Ranks at Arkansas State
Butch Jones’ return to a head coaching position comes at a pivotal time for Arkansas State, a program that has seen its fair share of ups and downs in recent years. Despite a strong tradition of success in the Sun Belt Conference, Arkansas State has struggled to maintain consistent excellence, often finding itself in the middle of the pack rather than at the top. Jones’ arrival is viewed as a move to solidify the Red Wolves’ position within the conference and provide the program with a more competitive edge moving forward.
Jones brings with him a wealth of experience that spans both the Power 5 and Group of 5 levels, including successful stints as the head coach at Central Michigan and Cincinnati before his time at Tennessee. During his years at Tennessee, Jones led the Vols to multiple bowl games and helped guide the program through an era of rebuilding after the departure of legendary head coach Phillip Fulmer. His tenure at Tennessee was marked by both promise and frustration, as Jones helped recruit top-tier talent, including some standout players, but was unable to consistently win at the level that fans and alumni expected.
At Arkansas State, Jones will have the opportunity to work with a smaller budget and a less high-profile program, but he will also have more freedom to implement his system without the overwhelming pressure that comes with coaching in the SEC. The Sun Belt Conference, while competitive, offers a more level playing field for Jones to build a successful program over time.
“I’m excited to be here at Arkansas State, and I look forward to helping this program reach new heights,” Jones said during his introductory press conference. “I’ve always been passionate about coaching and developing young athletes, and I believe we have the talent here to compete at the highest level in the Sun Belt. We’re going to work hard, recruit the right student-athletes, and build a winning culture.”
The Message to Josh Heupel: What Could It Mean?
While Jones’ return to the coaching ranks is exciting for Arkansas State, it’s his message to Tennessee Vols head coach Josh Heupel that has captured the most attention. According to sources close to Jones, he reached out to Heupel with a message regarding the state of the Tennessee football program and its direction under Heupel’s leadership.
The exact content of the message remains confidential, but insiders suggest that Jones may have offered advice or shared his thoughts on how Heupel can continue to build the program after a successful, yet somewhat inconsistent, tenure to date. Tennessee has experienced a resurgence under Heupel, especially after he took over as head coach in 2021 and immediately helped revitalize the offense with a high-paced, explosive system. Heupel’s Vols made a major leap forward in 2022, finishing with a 10-2 regular season record and securing a spot in the College Football Playoff conversation.
However, there are still areas where the Vols remain a work in progress. While the offense has been dynamic, the defense has struggled at times, and consistency from week to week has been an issue. Heupel’s success at Tennessee is undeniable, but the pressure to compete at the highest level in the SEC—alongside programs like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU—remains immense.
Jones’ message to Heupel could have been one of encouragement, offering his perspective on navigating the high expectations at Tennessee. It’s no secret that Jones faced intense scrutiny during his time as the Vols’ head coach, as the program struggled to find its footing in the post-Fulmer and post-Kiffin era. His experience in dealing with the media and fanbase could have been a valuable resource for Heupel, who, despite his success, is still working to solidify his position as the long-term leader of Tennessee football.
Sources suggest that Jones may have also sent words of caution to Heupel about the challenges that come with sustaining success in the SEC. While Tennessee is certainly on the rise, the competition in the conference is fierce, and maintaining a high level of performance year in and year out requires both exceptional talent and strategic foresight.
Another theory is that Jones may have offered his thoughts on recruiting, a key component in any successful college program. Jones, known for his ability to bring in top-tier recruits, could have shared insights with Heupel on how to maintain success in a highly competitive recruiting environment. Tennessee, with its rich football tradition and storied history, still needs to consistently bring in high-caliber talent in order to compete with the SEC’s elite teams.
While Jones’ message to Heupel has yet to be publicly revealed, it seems clear that Jones remains deeply invested in the success of Tennessee football, despite having left the program nearly a decade ago. His connection to the school and his time spent in Knoxville have made him a fixture in the Tennessee football community, and it appears he still wants to see the Vols succeed, even from afar.
The State of Tennessee Football Under Josh Heupel
Josh Heupel’s tenure at Tennessee has been characterized by a dramatic turnaround. When Heupel took over as head coach in 2021, Tennessee was in the midst of NCAA sanctions, roster turnover, and uncertainty surrounding the program’s future. Heupel quickly instilled a high-octane offense, centered around a fast-paced passing game, which rejuvenated the fanbase and injected new life into the program.
In his first season, Heupel led the Vols to a 7-6 record, which was seen as a promising start given the circumstances. But it was in 2022 that Tennessee really made a splash, finishing 10-2 and returning to national prominence. The Vols even briefly ascended to the No. 1 ranking in the country, a significant achievement for a program that had been in a rebuilding phase for years.
Despite the excitement surrounding Heupel’s offense, there are still areas that need improvement. Tennessee’s defense, which has been a weakness for several seasons, has shown flashes of improvement but remains inconsistent. Additionally, while Heupel’s offense is among the most potent in the country, it still requires more balance and depth to sustain success in the long term.
Jones, who spent several years coaching in the SEC, is no stranger to the pressures and challenges that come with competing in one of the toughest conferences in college football. His advice to Heupel could have centered around building a more balanced program, both on offense and defense, and ensuring that the Vols continue to recruit at a high level.
Arkansas State’s Future Under Butch Jones
While the focus has been on Jones’ message to Heupel, the primary story remains Jones’ new role at Arkansas State. The Red Wolves have long been a competitive force in the Sun Belt but have struggled to reach the next level in recent seasons. With Jones now at the helm, Arkansas State fans are hopeful that the program will begin to rise to prominence in the Sun Belt, challenging teams like Appalachian State, Louisiana, and Coastal Carolina for conference championships.
Jones’ experience at both the Power 5 and Group of 5 levels gives him a unique advantage in building a successful program at Arkansas State. His ability to recruit talent, develop players, and create a winning culture will be crucial in the coming years. Arkansas State has the potential to be a consistent contender in the Sun Belt, and Jones’ leadership will be a key factor in realizing that potential.
“I’m here to win championships,” Jones said during his press conference. “We have the resources and talent to compete at a high level, and we’re going to put in the work to make sure this program is respected across the country.”
Conclusion
Butch Jones’ return to a head coaching role at Arkansas State marks a new chapter in his career, one that offers a fresh opportunity to lead a program and prove his worth as a head coach. His message to Josh Heupel, though shrouded in mystery, highlights his ongoing connection to Tennessee football and his desire to see the Vols continue to thrive.
As Jones embarks on this new journey with Arkansas State, all eyes will be on his ability to turn the Red Wolves into a championship contender. Meanwhile, Tennessee’s football program remains in Heupel’s hands, and the pressure to sustain success in the competitive SEC will continue to mount. Jones’ insights could very well play a role in shaping Tennessee’s future, even if he’s no longer coaching in Knoxville.