KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee linebackers coach William Inge is doing really well and could be released from the hospital around the middle of next week, Vols head coach Josh Heupel said after the Knoxville team beat Arkansas in Fayetteville on Saturday.
Heupel closed his postgame press conference with the update, describing Inge recovery as a true miracle. He said Inge faced a ton of adversity and was fighting for his life after an illness that came on suddenly.
Inge was hospitalized on September 25, the day before the Tennessee-Texas game in Knoxville, because of a personal medical issue. Before that game, the program released a statement from Inge saying he would fight the illness the way the Vols fight on the field.
Once he leaves the hospital, Inge is expected to begin the rehabilitation process. Heupel thanked Vol fans, the university and people across college football who kept the coach in their prayers, and credited the power of prayer for the turnaround.
Players and coaches have shown support during his absence by wearing shirts with graphics reading Inge Built at games this season.
Inge, 52, was announced as Tennessee linebackers coach in 2024 after a two-year stint as co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Washington. He helped the Huskies win the 2023 Pac-12 championship and reach the national championship game of the 2024 College Football Playoff.
The Vols return home next weekend to face Alabama at Neyland Stadium, which holds 102,455 fans. The update gives the program a lift heading into one of the biggest rivalry games on the schedule.
