Meet Joey Halzle: The Man Behind Tennessee’s Explosive Offense and Rising Star Offensive Coordinator Under Josh Heupel’s Leadership
The Tennessee Volunteers have become synonymous with high-octane offense in recent years, consistently ranking among the top units in college football. From Hendon Hooker’s Heisman-caliber 2022 season to Joe Milton’s strong finish in 2023, and the anticipation surrounding Nico Iamaleava in 2025, the Vols have earned their reputation as an offensive juggernaut. At the center of that identity is offensive coordinator Joey Halzle—a name that might not yet be familiar to every fan across the country but one that’s increasingly gaining recognition within the coaching community. Halzle isn’t just calling plays for Tennessee; he’s orchestrating one of the most dynamic, innovative attacks in the SEC, and he’s doing it with a deep understanding of head coach Josh Heupel’s philosophy.
Joey Halzle was officially promoted to offensive coordinator at Tennessee in January 2023 following the departure of Alex Golesh, who took the head coaching job at South Florida. Prior to that, Halzle had served as Tennessee’s quarterbacks coach, playing an integral role in the development of Hendon Hooker and helping to implement Heupel’s offensive scheme. While some questioned whether Tennessee’s offense would take a step back with Golesh gone, Halzle proved that the system Heupel created is built to thrive on continuity—and he was the perfect candidate to maintain that momentum.
What sets Halzle apart is his deep-rooted connection to Heupel. The two have worked together for over a decade, starting when Halzle was a quarterback at Oklahoma and Heupel was his position coach. That bond has only strengthened through the years, with Halzle joining Heupel’s staff at Utah State, Missouri, UCF, and eventually Tennessee. Few coaching duos in college football share the kind of schematic alignment and mutual trust that Heupel and Halzle do. It’s that familiarity that allows Tennessee’s offense to operate with such cohesion and speed. Halzle doesn’t just understand the playbook—he helped shape it.
As a play-caller, Halzle’s approach blends tempo, vertical passing, and run-pass balance. Tennessee is known for its lightning-fast pace, designed to stress defenses before the snap and create mismatches downfield. But Halzle is not merely running plays for the sake of speed. His play sequencing, use of formations, and ability to manipulate defensive coverages reflect a cerebral strategist at work. He tailors the game plan to the quarterback’s strengths and trusts his skill position players to win one-on-one battles. Under Halzle, Tennessee’s offense isn’t just explosive—it’s ruthlessly efficient.
Take the 2023 and 2024 seasons, for example. Despite losing Hooker and key pieces from the 2022 squad, Halzle kept the Vols ranked among the top 15 nationally in scoring offense, total yards, and plays per game. He helped ease Joe Milton into a starting role and later began the development of freshman phenom Nico Iamaleava. The quarterback production hasn’t dipped, and neither has the creativity. Halzle’s ability to adapt while staying true to the system has been one of his biggest strengths.
His influence also extends to the recruiting trail. Quarterbacks want to play in his system, and wide receivers are drawn to the chance to thrive in an offense that emphasizes verticality and volume. Tennessee’s recent recruiting classes have featured blue-chip talents across the offensive skill positions, and Halzle’s fingerprints are all over those wins. Recruits see him as a forward-thinking, energetic coach who understands what it takes to get players to the NFL. His player development track record—particularly with quarterbacks—continues to make Tennessee a destination for offensive prospects.
Off the field, Halzle is known for his even-keeled demeanor and meticulous preparation. Players trust him because he doesn’t overcomplicate things. He keeps the messaging consistent, the expectations clear, and the feedback constructive. Halzle is rarely seen in the spotlight, but behind the scenes, he’s one of the most respected minds in the building. Coaches across the SEC have taken notice, and several programs have reportedly inquired about Halzle’s availability for head coaching jobs or elevated coordinator roles elsewhere. So far, he remains loyal to Heupel and the vision they’re building together in Knoxville.
That loyalty and continuity are crucial as Tennessee gears up for a pivotal 2025 season. With Nico Iamaleava expected to take over full-time at quarterback and a talented supporting cast returning, Halzle will be tasked with unlocking the next level of offensive execution. His ability to bring out the best in Iamaleava—one of the most hyped quarterback recruits in school history—will define not just Tennessee’s success this season but also Halzle’s long-term trajectory as a coach. A breakout year from Iamaleava under Halzle’s tutelage could catapult the Vols into the College Football Playoff conversation and solidify Halzle’s standing as one of the brightest young minds in the game.
Halzle’s coaching journey has been steady and deliberate. After playing quarterback at Oklahoma under Bob Stoops and Heupel, he transitioned into coaching, learning the ropes as a graduate assistant before becoming a full-time assistant under Heupel’s wing. At each stop—from Utah State to Missouri to UCF—he’s earned praise for his intelligence, work ethic, and ability to connect with players. When Heupel landed the Tennessee job, bringing Halzle with him was a no-brainer. It’s clear now that decision paid off in a big way.
The success of Halzle’s offense has also helped elevate the overall profile of Tennessee football. In an era dominated by offense, having a coordinator who can consistently generate 40-plus points a game is invaluable. It changes the way opponents prepare, the way fans engage with the team, and the way recruits evaluate their options. Tennessee’s resurgence over the last few years is not just about talent—it’s about having a system, and Halzle is a critical part of making that system thrive.
As the coaching carousel spins every offseason, Halzle’s name is likely to be mentioned in more and more head coaching searches. While he hasn’t yet taken that next step, many believe it’s only a matter of time. He has the resume, the pedigree, and the temperament to run his own program. Whether that opportunity comes soon or further down the road, Tennessee fans should enjoy the ride while they have him. Because offensive coordinators like Joey Halzle don’t come around often—and when they do, their impact is felt well beyond the box score.
In today’s college football landscape, where offensive production often separates contenders from pretenders, having a coordinator like Halzle is a massive asset. He’s innovative without being reckless, aggressive without being careless, and demanding without being overbearing. His players respect him, his colleagues admire him, and his results speak for themselves. Tennessee’s offense has become must-watch television in large part because of the man calling the plays behind the scenes.
Joey Halzle may not be a household name nationally just yet, but in Knoxville, he’s a central figure in the program’s resurgence. As Tennessee looks to return to the pinnacle of college football, they’ll do so with one of the most promising offensive minds in the sport leading the charge. The question isn’t whether Halzle will continue to succeed—it’s how far he can take the Vols, and how long they can keep him on Rocky Top. One thing is clear: as long as Joey Halzle is orchestrating the offense, Tennessee will remain one of the most dangerous teams in the SEC.
