Tennessee reportedly close to hiring next TE coach

Tennessee is reportedly close to hiring its next tight ends coach.

According to On3’s Matt Zenitz, the Vols are expected to hire Alec Abeln for the role. Abeln, a former Missouri offensive lineman under Josh Heupel, has worked as an offensive analyst over the past 2 seasons for he Vols.

Tennessee is expected to hire Alec Abeln as tight ends coach, sources tell @on3sports.

Abeln has worked at Tennessee as an analyst since 2021 after previously working at Ole Miss. He was an offensive lineman at Missouri when Josh Heupel was Mizzou’s OC. https://t.co/DlIXY67ten pic.twitter.com/K5wKsUHC2D

— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) February 2, 2023

This is the 3rd on-field role that has been filled by promoting from within by Heupel during his tenure. Offensive coordinator Joey Halzle and wide receivers coach Kelsey Pope were also promoted from within.

Abeln would replace Alex Golesh, who left the program earlier this offseason to become the head coach at South Florida. Golesh also served as Tennessee’s offensive coordinator.

Tennessee’s top returning tight end for 2023 is Jacob Warren. He caught 12 passes for 163 yards last season. He has 4 career touchdowns across 4 seasons with the Vols.