Derek Owings, Tennessee's new director of football sports performance, has quickly made his mark since joining the Vols less than two months ago from Indiana. Head coach Josh Heupel is already seeing the fruits of Owings' labor this offseason.
With spring practice kicking off, Heupel expressed his satisfaction with the team's physical development, crediting Owings for a "great winter" of progress. Owings' arrival was announced on January 20, shortly after Indiana's undefeated season culminated in a College Football Playoff National Championship victory over Miami.
Owings replaced Kurt Schmidt, who had been with Tennessee for the first five years of Heupel's tenure. The transition seems to be paying off, with Heupel noting improvements in the weight room and offseason workouts that set a promising tone for the season ahead.
Reflecting on the winter sessions, Heupel highlighted the enhancements in player physiques, strength, and speed metrics. "You look at the frames, the mass that we added, the strength numbers that we got out of it weekly and then the speed numbers, as well," Heupel remarked, emphasizing the comprehensive approach that Owings has brought to the program.
Owings' integration into the team has been seamless, thanks in part to his previous stint with Heupel at UCF in 2018. Heupel praised Owings for his immediate impact and the accountability he has instilled in the players. "He and his staff did a great job onboarding, sitting down with our players one-on-one," Heupel said, underscoring the personalized approach Owings has taken to understand and elevate each player's goals.
The focus on physical gains, speed, agility, and mindset has been central to Owings' strategy. Heupel emphasized the importance of daily accountability and growth, highlighting how these elements are critical to the team's success. "Taking a step forward every single day instead of one step forward, one step back," he noted, is key to the progress they've achieved this winter.
With the season opener still months away, the ongoing offseason work will be crucial in realizing the full impact of Owings' contributions. Heupel is optimistic about the potential benefits as the Vols gear up for an important 2026 season. "Every rep, every single day parlays itself into how you need to play when you get to the Saturdays in the fall," Heupel explained, emphasizing the foundational role of Owings' daily structure and accountability in preparing the team for game day.