Glen Elarbee details installing an uptempo offense at Tennessee

Glen Elarbee has served as Josh Heupel’s offensive line coach since 2016.

Glen Elarbee has served as Josh Heupel’s offensive line coach since 2016.

He served in the position when Heupel was head coach at UCF (2018-20) and offensive coordinator with Missouri (2016-17).

Elarbee has followed Heupel to Tennessee and will be the Vols’ offensive line coach. He met with media Wednesday and discussed coaching for Heupel at UT.

“I think it goes back to when I was at Missouri,” he said. “I’ve said this a bunch. Heupel is the scariest blend of the best human being that I’ve been around that actually cares about people, cares about family and is blended with a freaky smart guy. He’s highly intelligent.

“I’ve never been around anybody who is that genuine and that smart at the game of football. I wanted to work for him ever since I met him. The decision was pretty easy.”

Nov 23, 2018; Tampa, FL; UCF Knights head coach Josh Heupel looks on against the South Florida Bulls during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Heupel and Elarbee will install their uptempo offense this spring in preparation for the 2021 season.

Elarbee discussed implementing the scheme at now their third school together.

He detailed any obstacles that may have taken place in the past when installing their scheme and what he learned during his first season at Missouri alongside Heupel early on.

“Where we started here is typically the biggest change, because defenses, when we play them week-to-week, you have to know where all 11 guys are and actually be able to identify them and track them,” Elarbee said. “Us being able to know how defense is actually structured and adjust at the beginning of the game, that’s probably the biggest change for guys when we first start.

“Going back to Missouri, guys were hungry for success. They wanted to go be able to score points. They enjoy the success of playing good on offense. I think you just ask them to continue to do things differently and they stay open minded, because they see the success it brings.”

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