Joe Milton does not expect changes in Tennessee's offense

Joe Milton does not expect any changes in Tennessee’s offense under Josh Heupel going into the 2023 season despite some changes.

Last year’s offensive coordinator Alex Golesh left to take the head coaching position at USF and Joey Halzle was elevated to the OC position in Knoxville. But in the end, it’s Heupel’s offense as Milton described at SEC Media Days.

Judging how Milton played under Heupel subbing in for an injured Hendon Hooker last year, that shouldn’t be a problem this fall.

“Nope, it’s coach Heupel’s offense,” Milton said when he asked if there would be changes. “So whatever he wants, it’s gonna get done that way. I don’t see it no different being a change of offensive coordinators. Coach (Halzle), he’s just a dude.

“And he got the guys in the quarterback room with us, Mitch and you know, Phillip, you know, those guys in the room with us and they were willing to help no matter what. So just being able to be on those three guys every day is a blessing.”

Once Milton stepped in for Hooker, he was lights out last season. He finished with 971 yards, 10 touchdowns, zero interceptions and a 64.6% completion percentage.

Safe to say, the offense won’t be a problem.

As a member of the Class of 2018, Milton was a four-star recruit out of Orlando (Fla.) Olympia, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 42 overall prospect in the state, the No. 17 quarterback in the class and the No. 242 overall prospect in the class.

Josh Heupel details how Joe Milton grew in offseason

Appearing on the SEC Network on Tuesday, Heupel explained how Milton set himself up for success not only this offseason, but also with how he continued to work the past two seasons as a backup.

“Joe’s been a guy that’s worked tirelessly since he got here,” the coach said. “It didn’t work out exactly the way he wanted it to when it first started. Hendon takes the job, but Joe’s been a great teammate from that point forward. He’s had great work ethic and he’s become a great leader. That’s not just since January when he took the reigns for the bowl game, but that’s really been all of last year too in 2022 and he’s continued on that journey.

“He’s a guy that cares deeply about the guys around him. He’s wanted to perfect and continue to grow in his craft. That comes in the way he moves inside of the pocket, his balance with plays and him being accurate with the football. I thought he made great strides in the course of spring football and it also has shown in his understanding of defenses and how we brought our football team in the offseason.”