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A NEW ERA HAS BEGUN AT TENNESSEE — LEGENDARY STAR JOSHUA DOBBS APPOINTED TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS ASSISTANT COACH JUST MINUTES AGO…
KNOXVILLE, TN – June 11, 2025 — By ESPN Senior Reporter
In an electrifying development that has rocked the college football landscape and stirred deep emotions across Big Orange Nation, former Tennessee Volunteers quarterback and NFL veteran Joshua Dobbs has officially returned home — this time as an assistant coach for the Tennessee Volunteers football program, a decision confirmed just minutes ago in a press conference at Neyland Stadium. This historic appointment ushers in a new era in Knoxville, fusing nostalgia with ambition as one of the most beloved Vols of the 21st century transitions into coaching — right where his legend began.
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THE HOMECOMING: DOBBS RETURNS TO ROCKY TOP
Standing proudly at the podium draped in orange and white, Dobbs appeared visibly moved as Tennessee athletic director Danny White and head coach Josh Heupel introduced him as the newest addition to the Volunteers’ coaching staff. Dobbs, now 30, will serve as Assistant Quarterbacks Coach and Offensive Analyst, a role designed to bridge analytics, player mentorship, and schematic innovation — all strengths honed during his playing days on and off the field.
“This is home. This is where I became a man,” Dobbs said, his voice cracking with emotion. “From the moment I left Knoxville, I knew I’d be back one day. I’m beyond grateful to Coach Heupel, to the university, and to Vol Nation for believing in me again — not just as a player, but now as a mentor and coach.”
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FROM FIELD GENERAL TO FOOTBALL MIND
Dobbs’ legacy at Tennessee is deeply woven into the program’s history. Between 2013 and 2017, the Alpharetta, Georgia native dazzled under center, finishing with 9,360 passing yards, 2,160 rushing yards, and 85 total touchdowns. But numbers alone don’t capture Dobbs’ impact. Known for his poise, intelligence (he majored in aerospace engineering), and knack for miraculous plays — like the unforgettable Hail Mary to Jauan Jennings to defeat Georgia in 2016 — Dobbs was more than a quarterback. He was a symbol of resilience, leadership, and academic excellence.
After Tennessee, Dobbs went on to enjoy a multi-year NFL career with stops at the Pittsburgh Steelers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Cleveland Browns, and most notably the Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings, where he earned national attention in 2023 for stepping in midseason and leading the Vikings to victory just days after joining the team.
Dobbs became widely admired not only for his athletic adaptability but also for his deep football IQ — often compared to a coach on the field. It was this reputation that spurred discussions within Tennessee’s athletic department, especially over the past 12 months, about possibly bringing him back in a coaching capacity.
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INSIDE THE DECISION: THE HIDDEN TALKS
Sources inside Tennessee’s football program confirm that the groundwork for Dobbs’ return began as early as February 2025. Conversations intensified following the Vols’ spring game, where Dobbs made a surprise appearance on the sideline and spent time working with quarterbacks during warmups. Head coach Josh Heupel reportedly told AD Danny White after that game, “He’s a natural. We’ve got to find a way to get him back on staff.”
By mid-May, a formal proposal had been crafted, and Dobbs—who was exploring his next professional chapter following free agency—was invited to Knoxville for a private meeting with Tennessee’s offensive staff. The meeting was described as “transformative,” and Dobbs was said to be immediately interested. The final details were worked out this past weekend, and Dobbs signed the official contract earlier today.
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THE ROLE: WHAT DOBBS WILL DO
While this is his first official coaching role, Dobbs isn’t exactly a novice. During his NFL career, he often mentored younger quarterbacks and was heavily involved in game planning. At Tennessee, he will work closely with quarterbacks coach Joey Halzle and offensive coordinator Glen Elarbee to craft game plans, mentor signal-callers, and contribute to Tennessee’s increasingly data-driven offensive system.
“Joshua brings a perfect blend of legacy, leadership, and intellectual horsepower to our staff,” said Coach Heupel. “His understanding of the quarterback position — from a mechanical, mental, and emotional standpoint — is rare. He’s going to elevate everyone in our building.”
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PLAYER REACTIONS: “WE’RE READY TO LEARN FROM A LEGEND”
The current Tennessee squad, particularly its quarterbacks, has reacted with elation. Sophomore QB Nico Iamaleava, who is expected to be the starter this fall, posted on Instagram just moments after the announcement:
“Let’s GO. One of the greatest to ever do it is back with us. Can’t wait to learn from @josh_dobbs1 🙌🍊”
Backup quarterback Jake Merklinger echoed that sentiment:
“He’s been where we want to go — the NFL, the big wins, the adversity. Having him in the room is gonna change everything.”
Even defensive players weighed in, with linebacker Elijah Herring noting, “If you think he was dangerous as a player, just wait till you see what he builds from the sidelines.”
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A SYMBOLIC MOMENT FOR VOL NATION
The appointment is already being described as one of the most meaningful hires in recent program history — not just for football reasons, but for cultural ones. Dobbs, who led the team through turbulent years under Butch Jones and still managed back-to-back 9-win seasons in 2015 and 2016, is cherished by Tennessee fans for his perseverance and character.
Many fans see his return as a spiritual renewal for a program on the rise.
“This is the ultimate full-circle moment,” said longtime Vols supporter Rebecca Langston, 67, of Maryville. “We cheered him on as a kid. Now we’ll cheer him on as a coach. He represents everything good about Tennessee.”
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NATIONAL REACTIONS POUR IN
The news of Dobbs’ appointment has sparked reactions from across the sports world.
Peyton Manning, another Vols legend, posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“Incredible hire by Tennessee. Joshua Dobbs is the real deal — a leader, a genius, and a true Vol For Life. Can’t wait to see what he brings to the next generation. 🍊🧠🏈”
ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit praised Tennessee’s forward thinking:
“Big-time move by Josh Heupel and crew. Dobbs is respected around the country. Players will listen. He’s gonna be a superstar coach if he wants to be.”
Even NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where Dobbs once interned, chimed in with a congratulatory message:
“From rockets to red zones — congratulations @josh_dobbs1 on your new role with @Vol_Football. Keep soaring!”
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THE FUTURE: “THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING”
Dobbs made it clear that while today is special, it’s only the start.
“I’m not here just to relive memories. I’m here to help create new ones,” he told reporters. “I want to help build a championship program, develop NFL-ready quarterbacks, and be a role model — just like others were for me.”
With fall camp just weeks away, Dobbs will immediately begin work with the Vols’ quarterbacks, assisting in film review, playbook installs, and player development. Recruiting responsibilities may be added in the future, but for now, his focus will be on supporting the current roster and reshaping Tennessee’s QB room into one of the nation’s elite.
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FINAL WHISTLE: THE RETURN OF A VFL
For a program steeped in tradition but hungry for more, Joshua Dobbs’ appointment is both a homecoming and a launchpad. The boy who once dreamed under Neyland’s lights returns as a man with purpose, vision, and the unmistakable glow of a Volunteer legend.
A new era has begun in Knoxville — and it wears number 11 not on the jersey, but now on the headset.
Stay tuned to ESPN for exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of Dobbs’ first day on the job, interviews with former teammates, and a deep dive into how Tennessee’s offense could evolve under his influence.
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