Tennessee Athletics photo / Kelsey Pope, who served as an offensive analyst last season at Tennessee, was named Monday as the new receivers coach of the Volunteers.Tennessee promoted from within to fill the first vacancy of the Josh Heupel era.
Kelsey Pope, who served as an offensive analyst this past season for the Volunteers, was named Monday afternoon as the new receivers coach. Tennessee had been the only Southeastern Conference program to have its football staff stay intact from a year ago until late last month, when Kodi Burns left to become receivers coach for the New Orleans Saints.
"Kelsey was a natural fit for this role and someone our players trust and have the utmost respect for," Heupel said through a release. "He has a clear understanding of what it takes for our wide receivers to be successful in this offense. He knows how to connect with people and cultivate relationships, and he's going to be a tireless recruiter."
Before joining Heupel's staff, Pope was receivers coach and passing game coordinator at Gardner-Webb. He took the role at Gardner-Webb after serving as Tennessee Tech's receivers coach in 2019, when the Golden Eagles posted their second-most productive offensive season in program history.
A native of Sylacauga, Alabama, Pope starred at Samford University from 2010-13, finishing his career as the school's all-time leader in receptions with 250. He led the Bulldogs in receiving three straight seasons, tallied 2,385 receiving yards and was a three-time All-Southern Conference selection.
Kelsey Pope"I am excited to help continue the momentum we established last season," Pope said. "I have seen firsthand just how much Tennessee football means to people year-round. It's a special place, and the players in our locker room are eager to take the next step in their development.
"They have worked extremely hard thus far this offseason. I can't wait until the start of spring practice, and I look forward to making an impact in recruiting. I am grateful to Coach Heupel for this opportunity."
Tennessee set school records last season for points (511), yards (6,174) and touchdowns (67). The Vols lose two receiving components from a year ago - Velus Jones Jr. and JaVonta Payton - but return leading receiver Cedric Tillman, who amassed 64 catches for 1,081 yards and 12 scores.
No spring game
Tennessee announced Monday that there will be no Orange & White spring game next month "due to construction in Neyland Stadium and scheduling conflicts with other venues."
Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.