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Tennessee LB Coach William Inge Hospitalized Ahead of Texas Game
Confirmed
In Short: Tennessee's linebackers coach William Inge is hospitalized with a personal medical issue, the team announced Thursday.
Tennessee's linebackers coach William Inge is in the hospital dealing with a 'personal medical issue,' the team announced Thursday. The 52-year-old coach is in his third season with the No. 14 Volunteers, who are preparing for a Saturday clash with No. 1 Texas.
Inge's hospitalization leaves the team's coaching staff shorthanded as they prepare for what is expected to be their toughest competition of the season. The Volunteers are currently led by linebacker Henry Campbell, who has made 17 tackles through the first three games.
The university has not disclosed a diagnosis, a timeline for Inge’s return, or any details about his condition beyond the statement that he 'has been in the hospital.' The team's statement also asked for privacy and support for Coach Inge and his family.
Sources close to the program told FootballScoop that the situation is quite serious and echoed the program's request for prayers for Coach Inge. 'Coach Inge is one of the truly good men in this profession,' said a source.
Inge, a Kirkwood, Missouri, native, played defensive end at Iowa from 1993-96 after redshirting in 1992 following a surgery to remove one of his kidneys. He entered coaching as a graduate assistant at Iowa and has spent 28 years coaching.
Inge was hired in February 2024 after two seasons as Washington’s associate head coach, co-defensive coordinator, and linebackers coach under Kalen DeBoer. He had been expected to follow DeBoer to Alabama before choosing Tennessee.
Inge's son, Isaiah, is a defensive lineman for the Vols and has played in three games this season. The younger Inge's presence on the team adds a unique familial connection to the coaching staff.
Tennessee football’s coaching staff is without one of its most accomplished members, as Inge's absence could impact the team's preparation and strategy for the upcoming game.
What this adds
Sources close to the program suggest the situation is quite serious, but no specific diagnosis has been released.
What's confirmed
- Tennessee linebackers coach William Inge is in the hospital dealing with a "personal medical issue," the team announced Thursday.
- "Coach Inge and his family appreciate your prayers and support, and we ask that you respect their privacy at this time," said the school's statement.
- Inge, 52, is in his third season on Josh Heupel’s staff.
What's still developing
- We share our prayers and kindly ask everyone to join us in praying for Coach and his family.
- After Tim Banks was fired late in 2025, Inge also served as Tennessee’s interim defensive coordinator for the Music City Bowl.
- 1 Texas on Saturday in a matchup that will have huge implications down the line for the College Football Playoff.
- Texas has the best win of the college football season so far, knocking off then-No.
- He signed a free-agent contract with the Tennessee Titans, but the medical history persisted.