Tennessee linebackers coach William Inge is in the hospital with a personal medical issue and will miss Saturday’s game against No. 1 Texas, the university announced Thursday.
“Tennessee linebackers coach William Inge has been in the hospital dealing with a personal medical issue,” the school said. “Coach Inge and his family appreciate your prayers and support, and we ask that you respect their privacy at this time.”
Tennessee did not release further details on his condition.
Inge, 52, also missed last week’s 42-9 win over Kennesaw State. On3 reported he has been at UT Medical Center for more than a week. Defensive analyst Josh Sinagoga, who was on Michigan’s 2023 national championship staff, is among the coaches filling in.
Inge is in his third season on Josh Heupel’s staff and his first under defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. Knowles retained Inge and defensive line coach Rodney Garner when the rest of the previous defensive staff turned over last winter. Inge also served as interim defensive coordinator for the 2025 Music City Bowl.
He joined Tennessee in February 2024 after two seasons as associate head coach, co-defensive coordinator, and linebackers coach at Washington, where the Huskies reached the College Football Playoff title game. He had been expected to follow Kalen DeBoer to Alabama and chose Knoxville instead.
The linebacker room he has built is one of Tennessee’s strongest groups. Arion Carter earned All-SEC honors last season. Jeremiah Telander, Penn State transfer Amare Campbell, and Edwin Spillman are part of that unit. Inge’s son, Isaiah, is a defensive lineman on the roster.
Inge played defensive end at Iowa from 1993 to 1996. He has coached at Iowa, Northern Iowa, Colorado, San Diego State, Cincinnati, Buffalo, Indiana, Fresno State, and Washington, plus one season with the Buffalo Bills.
No. 14 Tennessee (3-0) hosts No. 1 Texas (3-0) on Saturday at noon ET at Neyland Stadium.