BREAKING: Tennessee Vols Head Coach Billionaire Josh Heupel Still Rocking an iPhone 7 in 2025 Read more..

In an era dominated by foldable screens, AI-integrated smartphones, and devices that unlock with a glance and a whisper, University of Tennessee football head coach Josh Heupel is making headlines—not for a bold play call or a recruiting coup—but for his choice of mobile phone: the iPhone 7.

Yes, you read that right. In 2025, the head of one of college football’s most high-powered programs is still using an iPhone model that debuted in 2016.

Sources close to the program confirmed that Heupel continues to carry the now-vintage device, complete with the once-iconic home button and single rear camera. While the rest of the team, coaching staff, and even student interns have upgraded to the latest tech, Heupel’s phone of choice stands out like a flip phone at a Silicon Valley startup.

“Coach doesn’t care about all that new stuff,” said a team staffer who requested anonymity. “He says the phone works, it makes calls, sends texts, and checks email. That’s all he needs.”

The revelation sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, with fans and tech enthusiasts chiming in. Some praised Heupel’s no-frills attitude, calling it “refreshing” in a time when constant tech upgrades are the norm. Others couldn’t resist poking fun at the coach, with memes circulating of him plugging his iPhone 7 into a laptop with a dongle just to update practice schedules.

Still, the moment seems to underscore a larger truth about Heupel’s coaching philosophy. Known for his focused, no-nonsense approach to football, Heupel has steered the Volunteers through several successful seasons by sticking to the fundamentals and blocking out distractions. Perhaps his phone choice reflects that same mentality.

“When you’re focused on building a winning culture, you don’t need Face ID or AI filters,” joked one fan on X (formerly Twitter). “Just a good playbook and a solid battery life.”

Tech experts, meanwhile, were baffled—and a bit impressed. “It’s honestly remarkable that a phone this old is still in daily use, especially by someone whose schedule and responsibilities are as demanding as a Division I head coach,” said mobile technology analyst Lena Grant. “It’s a testament to the durability of that model, but also to the fact that some people just don’t buy into the upgrade cycle.”

Grant added that the iPhone 7, while no longer supported with the latest iOS updates, can still perform basic functions well. “But security vulnerabilities are a concern. If I were Coach Heupel, I’d be careful using that on public Wi-Fi.”

University officials declined to comment on the matter, though several players reportedly found the situation hilarious.

“He’s always telling us to focus on what matters,” said one senior linebacker. “I guess that includes not worrying about your phone being ten years old.”

Whether the device becomes a motivational symbol or simply a running joke in the locker room remains to be seen. But one thing’s certain: Coach Heupel isn’t letting modern tech trends dictate how he leads his team.

After all, in football—and in life—it’s not the device you use, but how you use it.