Tennessee names Alec Abeln tight ends coach

Tennessee named Alec Abeln the new tight ends coach on the Volunteers’ staff under Josh Heupel.

Abeln was an offensive analyst over the last two seasons for Tennessee. He helped Tennessee ascend to the No. 1 ranking at one point during the 2022 season.

Abeln released a statement after he received his promotion.

“I am grateful to Coach Heupel for this opportunity,” Abeln said. “I have an enormous amount of respect and appreciation for our players and our staff, and I am excited to get on the field with our tight ends. 

“Coach Heupel has established a clear standard of who we want to be as a team, and I will work tirelessly to ensure we uphold it. I look forward to helping our tight ends reach their potential, while also making an impact on the recruiting trail.”

Heupel, who turned Tennessee around valiantly over the last two seasons, released a statement after he elevated Abeln.

“Alec has played an integral role in our offensive staff room over the past two years, and we are excited to elevate him to tight ends coach,” Heupel said. “Alec played for me and has been a part of our staff at multiple programs. He is detail-oriented with a relentless work ethic. He has built great relationships among our players and staff. 

“Alec is eager to get on the field, and I know we will continue to raise the standard of our tight end unit under his watch.”

Abeln previously coached at UCF under Heupel in 2019. Abeln spent the 2020 season as an offensive assistant at Ole Miss. The Rebels led the SEC in total offense (555.5) and rushing offense (210.6), while ranking third in scoring offense (39.2) that fall. 

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Abeln played at Missouri from 2013-17, where Heupel coached him in his final two seasons. He spent time on the offensive line before transitioning to fullback and tight end as a senior.