Joshua Dobbs Returns to the Tennessee Volunteers as Special Assistant Coach — Josh Heupel Reveals the Triumphant Homecoming of His Beloved Quarterback

The University of Tennessee Volunteers football program has always been steeped in tradition, passion, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Few players embody the spirit and resilience of Tennessee football quite like Joshua Dobbs. Now, years after his celebrated tenure as the Volunteers’ quarterback, Dobbs has returned home — not as a player, but as a special assistant coach. This triumphant homecoming is more than just a professional appointment; it is a heartfelt reunion, a symbol of legacy, and a strategic move by head coach Josh Heupel to recapture the core values and winning mentality Dobbs exemplified on and off the field.

In this comprehensive narrative, we explore Dobbs’ journey from star quarterback to NFL professional and now mentor, delve into Josh Heupel’s vision for the Tennessee program, and examine how this reunion could spark a new era of success for the Volunteers.

To fully appreciate the significance of Joshua Dobbs’ return to Tennessee, it’s important to look back at his roots and his impact as a player. Dobbs arrived in Knoxville in 2013, entering a program hungry for revival and star leadership. From the outset, Dobbs demonstrated a rare combination of intelligence, athleticism, and leadership that quickly earned him the respect of teammates, coaches, and fans alike.

Over his four-year career, Dobbs was the embodiment of consistency and resilience. His statistics are impressive: a career total of over 9,500 passing yards, 71 passing touchdowns, and nearly 2,000 rushing yards with 23 rushing touchdowns. But numbers only tell part of the story. Dobbs was known for his cerebral approach to the game — a reflection of his academic prowess (he graduated with a degree in aerospace engineering, no less) — and his unwavering character under pressure.

His leadership helped stabilize a program in transition and laid the groundwork for future Volunteers’ successes. He was a three-time team captain, a testament to the trust and admiration he commanded. Off the field, Dobbs was equally impactful, engaging in community service and serving as a role model for aspiring student-athletes.

After his collegiate career, Dobbs entered the NFL Draft and was selected in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. His professional career has been one of perseverance and adaptability, having served in various roles across several teams including the Jaguars, Texans, Titans, and Bears.

Though he often found himself in backup roles or practice squads, Dobbs never lost sight of his love for the game or his drive to contribute meaningfully. His work ethic, professionalism, and adaptability earned him respect in locker rooms across the league.

But throughout his professional journey, Dobbs maintained close ties with Tennessee, frequently speaking about the program’s importance to his life and growth. This foundation would ultimately be the springboard for his return.

Josh Heupel, hired as Tennessee’s head coach in 2021, arrived with a clear mission: restore the Volunteers to their rightful place among college football’s elite. Known for his innovative offensive mind and infectious energy, Heupel quickly set about reshaping the culture, installing a fast-paced, high-scoring offense, and recruiting with an eye toward both talent and character.

Heupel’s vision emphasized not just wins and losses, but also player development, academic achievement, and community engagement. The core belief was that success begins with a strong foundation of leadership, discipline, and unity. In this context, bringing Joshua Dobbs back to the program was a natural fit.

The announcement of Joshua Dobbs joining the Tennessee Volunteers as a special assistant coach was met with widespread enthusiasm. The role, while not one that places him directly on the sidelines calling plays, is pivotal in mentoring players, particularly quarterbacks, and serving as a liaison between the coaching staff and the players.

Dobbs’ firsthand experience navigating the pressures of playing at Tennessee and transitioning to the NFL is invaluable. He brings credibility and relatability, able to connect with athletes who aspire to follow in his footsteps.

Josh Heupel spoke candidly about the decision:

“Joshua represents everything we want in a Volunteer. He’s smart, disciplined, resilient, and deeply connected to this program. Having him on our staff means our players get a mentor who has walked their path — from campus, through the challenges of college football, and into the professional ranks. That kind of perspective is priceless.”

Dobbs’ return is more than just a staffing move; it’s a powerful symbol of continuity, legacy, and hope. For fans and players alike, Dobbs represents a golden era when Tennessee football felt on the cusp of greatness again.

His presence serves as a reminder that Tennessee doesn’t just produce athletes — it builds leaders who succeed on multiple levels. It signals that the program values those who give back, who foster the next generation, and who carry forward the Volunteer spirit.

For current players, Dobbs’ return has been a morale booster. Freshman and sophomore quarterbacks have expressed excitement about learning from someone who has been in their shoes.

One quarterback shared:

“Having Joshua around is amazing. He knows exactly what we’re going through — the pressure, the expectations, the balance of football and academics. It’s one thing to learn from coaches, but having someone who’s been on the field here and made it to the NFL is a whole different level of inspiration.”

Dobbs also works closely with offensive coordinators and position coaches, bridging communication and helping implement Heupel’s fast-paced offensive schemes more effectively.

Joshua Dobbs has always been a model student-athlete. His aerospace engineering degree from Tennessee is a testament to his dedication beyond football. As a special assistant coach, he also serves as a role model in the locker room, encouraging players to pursue excellence in academics and community service.

He has been involved in local Knoxville outreach programs, helping the football program deepen its roots in the community. Dobbs’ influence helps foster an environment where players grow as individuals and citizens, not just athletes.

The Volunteers are in the midst of rebuilding and redefining their identity. Joshua Dobbs’ return injects both experience and inspiration into the program’s culture. It signifies that Tennessee is committed to developing not only talented athletes but leaders who can navigate challenges on and off the field.

Dobbs’ mentorship is expected to accelerate the development of Tennessee’s quarterbacks, a position that historically shapes the trajectory of college football teams. His insights into reading defenses, game management, and preparation could elevate the offense to new heights under Heupel’s guidance.

Moreover, the partnership between Heupel and Dobbs highlights the importance of a coaching staff that blends fresh ideas with deep-rooted program knowledge.

Joshua Dobbs’ return to Tennessee as a special assistant coach is a story that resonates deeply with Volunteers fans, players, and the broader college football community. It is a homecoming rich with symbolism, bridging past achievements and future aspirations.

Head coach Josh Heupel’s decision to bring Dobbs back underscores a commitment to building a program where character, leadership, and performance are intertwined. Dobbs’ role extends beyond strategy and playbooks — he is a mentor, a symbol of Volunteer pride, and a beacon for young athletes striving to achieve their dreams.

As Tennessee football continues its journey toward reclaiming prominence on the national stage, Joshua Dobbs stands as a testament to what is possible through hard work, resilience, and an unbreakable bond with one’s alma mater.

This triumphant homecoming is just the beginning of a new chapter for Dobbs and the Volunteers — one where legacy meets innovation, and where the spirit of Tennessee football shines brighter than ever.