KNOXVILLE, Tenn. –Alec Abeln, who was a key member of a Tennessee staff that developed the nation’s most explosive offense the past two seasons, has been named the Volunteers’ new tight ends coach, head coach Josh Heupel announced on Thursday.
Abeln (pronounced ABE-lin), a native of St. Louis, Missouri, worked closely with the offensive line and all facets of the offense as an offensive analyst during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. He was involved in Tennessee’s preparation leading up to a 31-14 victory over ACC champion Clemson in the Capital One Orange Bowl.
“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.”
“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.”
Not only does Abeln have familiarity with Heupel, but he has made an impact at three different SEC programs. He played at Missouri and also served on the Tigers’ staff and Ole Miss’ staff before coming to Tennessee. Abeln and Heupel have worked together dating back to 2016.
Abeln immediately joined Heupel’s staff in Knoxville in the spring of 2021 as an offensive analyst. In its last two seasons, the program has enjoyed its greatest success in decades, producing an 18-8 record, seven ranked wins, its first No. 1 ranking since 1998 and a New Year’s Six Bowl victory in December.
In 2022, Abeln was part of an offensive room that led the nation in scoring offense (46.1), total offense (525.5), passing efficiency (181.4) and total touchdowns (79) for the first time in school history. The Vols shattered 13 single-season offensive records, including total points (599), points per game, total offense (6,832), total offense per game, yards per play (7.2), total touchdowns, passing touchdowns (38), rushing touchdowns (40), completion percentage (68.7), passing efficiency, passing yards (4,239), fewest interceptions thrown (3) and first downs (330).
Abeln launched his coaching career as an offensive graduate assistant at his alma mater of Missouri in 2018 before joining Heupel’s UCF staff in January 2019. That season saw the Knights rank second in the FBS in total offense (540.5) and fifth nationally in points per game (43.4).
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. They produced six games of over 500 yards of total offense and ranked third nationally in yards per game.
Abeln played at Missouri from 2013-17, where he was coached by Heupel in his final two seasons. He spent time on the offensive line before transitioning to fullback and tight end as a senior. He played in 32 career games and all 13 contests in 2017, helping the Tigers to a Texas Bowl berth. The 2017 and 2016 seasons saw Mizzou finish first in the SEC in fewest sacks allowed with 13 and 14, respectively.
Abeln was part of an offensive unit that led the SEC in total offense in each of his final two seasons, putting up 502.2 yards per game in 2017 and 500.5 yards per game in 2016.
Abeln earned bachelor’s degrees in Finance and English from Missouri in 2018.
-UT Athletics
