Josh Heupel calls Tennessee football LB coach William Inge's recovery 'a true miracle'

Tennessee football coach Josh Heupel shared a positive update on William Inge, adding the linebackers coach is expected be able to leave the hospital next week after missing the last four games.

Inge, 52, has been hospitalized with an undisclosed medical issue, which was first announced by the program Sept. 25 before the Texas game. Heupel said after Tennessee's 24-17 win at Arkansas on Oct. 10 that Inge was "really fighting for his life," and the medical issue "kind of came out of nowhere."

Heupel made the statement on Inge's health at the end of his press conference and thanked the fans across the country who kept Inge in their prayers.

"There's a lot of people that have been praying – our football family, university, but our fans, too – and sometimes it's rare in this world that you get to see a true miracle right before your eyes," Heupel said. "But that's truly what we've been able to see following Coach Inge, and that's what his family has seen, too. He's doing really well. He should be able to get out of the hospital here the middle of next week, hopefully, and begin his rehab process.

"But if you ever question the power of prayer, anybody that's seen this can attest to the power of prayer … So, very thankful that he's coming out the other side of it."

No. 14 Tennessee (5-1, 2-1 SEC) will return to Knoxville to face No. 7 Alabama at Neyland Stadium on Oct. 17 (3:30 p.m. ET, ABC or ESPN).

While Inge's absence was announced before the Texas game, he was also not able to attend the Vols' win over Kennesaw State on Sept. 19. Tennessee players and coaches wore "Inge Built" shirts before the Auburn game Oct. 3 in support of Inge.

Inge is in his third season on Heupel's staff and in the 28th season of his coaching career. He was co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Washington when it reached the national title game in 2023.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Josh Heupel calls Tennessee football LB coach William Inge's recovery 'a true miracle'