Tennessee isn’t just looking to level up this offseason - they’re aiming to transform. And that starts in the weight room. The Vols made a bold move by bringing in Derek Owings as their new head strength and conditioning coach, signaling a clear shift in tone and intensity for the program.
Owings arrives in Knoxville with serious credentials. He spent the last two years running the strength department at Indiana and has been a longtime right-hand man to championship-winning head coach Curt Cignetti. Now, he’s tasked with reshaping the physical identity of Tennessee football - and he’s wasting no time setting the tone.
“You cannot be soft when you’re going to war.”
That was Owings’ first message to his new team, delivered with fire during his initial workout session in Knoxville. The clip quickly made the rounds on social media, and it wasn’t just hype - it was a mission statement.
This is a coach who’s not here to maintain the status quo. He’s here to build warriors.
And the players are feeling it already.
Running back DeSean Bishop, who rushed for over a thousand yards last season, joined The Mike Keith Show this week and gave fans a glimpse into what life under Owings looks like so far.
“I would describe it as work,” Bishop said. “A lot different from last year.
Been put through the fire a little bit. That’s exactly what we need.
We believe that’s going to help us become the team we want to be. I’m looking forward to what else he has to offer for us.”
This isn’t just about lifting heavier or running faster. It’s about building a tougher, more resilient roster from the inside out - physically and mentally. And Owings has a track record that backs it up.
Just ask Fernando Mendoza. The Heisman-winning quarterback credited Owings and his staff for transforming his body during Indiana’s run to a national championship. Speaking on The Pat McAfee Show, Mendoza shared how Owings helped him bulk up from around 205 pounds to a solid 225 - without sacrificing mobility.
“Coach Owings and the strength staff here got me up… I’ve been able to put on good weight where I’m able to run and I’m able to still be fluid in my movements,” Mendoza said. “Whenever the team needs me to run, I can always run.”
That kind of transformation doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the product of a program that understands how to push players to their limits while keeping them healthy and game-ready. And it’s clear that Owings’ former players appreciated the impact he had on them.
When news broke that Owings was heading to Tennessee, the outpouring of support from Indiana players said it all. Wide receiver Charlie Becker called him a “good one.”
Defensive back Amare Ferrell labeled him the “best in the business.” Linebacker Isaiah Jones, defensive lineman CJ West, and defensive back Bryson Bonds all chimed in with the goat emoji - a nod to the respect Owings commands.
That kind of endorsement doesn’t come easily in college football, especially from players who’ve been through the grind. It speaks volumes about the relationships Owings builds and the results he delivers.
Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel echoed those sentiments when he spoke about the hire.
“Physical and mental toughness is paramount in everything we do year-round as a program,” Heupel said. “No one understands this better at a championship level than Derek. He will elevate our strength and conditioning program with a relentless mindset and forge strong relationships with our players.”
Heupel also emphasized Owings’ expertise in modern training methods - from maximizing speed and strength to injury prevention and nutrition. It’s a holistic approach, and one that aligns with the direction Tennessee wants to go.
So what does this mean for the Vols moving forward?
It means the offseason isn’t just about preparation - it’s about transformation. With Owings at the helm of the strength program, Tennessee is putting a premium on toughness, discipline, and development.
Every rep matters. Every workout counts.
And if the early signs are any indication, the Vols are ready to embrace the grind.