Danny White just made an investment in the Tennessee football program that Vol fans - and especially Josh Heupel - should be thrilled about

"The revival of our football program under Josh's leadership has made everyone in Big Orange Country proud to be a Vol," White said in the university's release announcing the extension. "Josh has brought Tennessee Football back to its rightful place among the nation's elite programs, and he and his staff have fostered a positive culture within the team. Our commitment to supporting Josh and his staff remains strong and unwavering."

"I greatly appreciate the support of Danny White, President Boyd and Chancellor Plowman," Heupel said in the extension release. "During an era of change in our sport, their leadership and commitment to helping us build a championship football program is strong.

"We took over a program in 2021 during a turbulent time. We quickly built a resilient, player-driven culture and have enjoyed great success on and off the field, but there is still much left to do. I am excited about the future of Tennessee Football, and I can't wait to run through the T once again with Vol Nation proudly supporting us."

Heupel took over a program in ruins in January 2021, hired shortly after White was brought on board as the school's new athletic director. You could see the start of something exciting in his first season, as the Vols showcased an offense at a level they hadn't had in years. It all came together in 2022, as the Vols slayed the giant by beating Alabama for the first time in over a decade and a half on the way to 11 wins and an Orange Bowl title. Two years later, the Vols were in the College Football Playoff for the first time ever.

Heupel has gradually improved the program step by step during his tenure, and now he'll be around for years to come to help Tennessee try to take that next step to becoming a true perennial national championship contender.

Money well spent, I'd say.