Former UCF QB joins Tennessee staff

Former UCF quarterback McKenzie Milton joined the Tennessee football staff as an offensive analyst, the team announced in a Thursday release.

"I couldn't be more excited about starting my coaching career at Tennessee and reuniting with Coach (Josh) Heupel," Milton said, via UTSports.com. "I am grateful to Coach Heupel and Director of Athletics Danny White for giving me this opportunity. 

"Their leadership makes a difference. I look forward to helping the program in any way I can."  

Milton played for Heupel from 2018-20 at UCF. He ended his UCF career with a 27-6 record as a starter, playing a pivotal role in UCF's undefeated season in 2017. Milton suffered a devastating injury in 2018 and missed the 2019 and 2020 seasons.

The former three-star recruit from Kapolei, Hawaii, transferred to Florida State in 2020. He would garner 775 passing yards and three touchdowns in six games played. He announced his retirement from football in 2022.

"McKenzie represents everything that is great about college football," Heupel said on Thursday, via UTSports.com. "His perseverance, determination and leadership are attributes that made him successful as a player and will no doubt translate to him being an outstanding future coach. 

"He's always been a student of the game and understands the why behind what we do. We are thrilled to welcome McKenzie, Jany and Madden to Rocky Top."

The leadership and perseverance Heupel highlighted could pave the path for a successful coaching career with Tennessee and beyond. Milton can also play a crucial role in developing a quarterback room featuring a five-star recruit in Nico Iamaleava. 

Veteran quarterback Joe Milton III will have the chance to take a starting spot for Tennessee in 2023. He played in 17 games during his two years with the Volunteers, gaining 1,346 passing yards and 12 passing touchdowns.