Josh Heupel and the Tennessee Volunteers are making a major move off the field - and it could be a game-changer for the program’s physical edge. Tennessee is expected to hire Indiana’s Derek Owings as its new head strength and conditioning coach, a behind-the-scenes role that often flies under the radar but plays a massive part in a team’s success. And make no mistake: Owings has been a difference-maker.
At just 32 years old, Owings has already built a strong reputation in college football circles. He spent the past two seasons at Indiana as the Director of Athletic Performance, arriving in Bloomington alongside head coach Curt Cignetti.
Over six seasons working under Cignetti - a National Championship-winning coach - Owings helped build a culture of discipline, toughness, and elite preparation. The results speak for themselves: Indiana reached the College Football Playoff in both of the past two years, and Owings was widely credited as one of the key architects of that success.
Now, Tennessee is set to make Owings the highest-paid strength and conditioning coach in college football history. According to reports, he’s in line for a $1.2 million annual salary - a clear statement from the Volunteers that they’re investing heavily in the infrastructure that supports championship-caliber football.
That’s a significant jump from the contract Owings signed in May 2025, which paid him over $900,000. He reportedly turned down an offer from USC last year, but this time, Tennessee got their guy.
Owings’ impact isn’t just about numbers in the weight room - it’s about culture, consistency, and player development. He was named FootballScoop.com’s Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year in 2025, a nod to the respect he commands across the sport. His programs are known for producing physically dominant, well-conditioned teams that peak at the right time - a crucial edge in the grind of a college football season.
For Tennessee, this is more than just a high-profile hire. It’s a sign of intent. Heupel and his staff are building something with staying power in Knoxville, and bringing in someone like Owings - who’s helped guide a team to back-to-back Playoff appearances - is a bold step in that direction.
As for Indiana, the departure leaves a notable gap in their operation. Owings was a foundational piece of their recent success, and replacing that kind of leadership won’t be easy. But that’s the nature of college football - even for championship-winning programs, the work never stops.