🚨 SHOCKING NEWS: TENNESSEE OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR & QUARTERBACKS COACH JOEY HALZLE FACES PUBLIC TURMOIL AS WIFE CARA HALZLE FILES FOR DIVORCE — REPORTS CLAIM HE’S SET TO MARRY A SECOND WIFE…

KNOXVILLE, TN – MAY 2025

In a stunning and highly unexpected development that has rocked the University of Tennessee football community, reports have emerged confirming that Cara Halzle, the wife of Joey Halzle, has officially filed for divorce. The offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, known for engineering one of the most potent offenses in college football, is now under a different kind of spotlight—one that centers around alleged personal choices rather than play-calling brilliance.

According to multiple sources close to the family and university insiders, the divorce comes amidst claims that Joey Halzle is preparing to take a second wife, a revelation that has sent shockwaves through Knoxville and the broader college football world. Though Halzle has not publicly commented on the issue, statements from Cara’s legal team and whispers within the program suggest this is not a mere separation—it’s a family implosion playing out under national scrutiny.

From College Sweethearts to a Broken Household

Cara and Joey Halzle’s marriage has long been seen as a staple of stability within the chaotic world of college football. Known to those close to the program as “deeply connected,” the couple often appeared together at charity functions, team barbecues, and recruiting events. With three children—Elliott, Saylor, and Colson—the Halzle household was often referenced by Tennessee staff as a “model family.”

But those who observed closely say signs of tension had quietly emerged over the past year. A source familiar with the family dynamics noted:

“Cara was seen less frequently at team functions starting in late 2024. Initially, many assumed she was staying home with the kids, but it became clear something was off.”

According to court documents obtained by local media, Cara Halzle filed for divorce in Knox County Circuit Court earlier this month, citing irreconcilable differences and requesting full custody of their three children.

The Second Wife Allegation: A Cultural Bombshell

Perhaps the most stunning piece of this unfolding drama is the allegation that Joey Halzle intends to marry a second woman, reportedly someone with whom he’s maintained a “close relationship” over the past two years. Though polygamy is illegal in all 50 U.S. states, it’s believed that Halzle is pursuing this second marriage through a religious or cultural ceremony outside the U.S. or under personal arrangements not recognized by the state of Tennessee.

A prominent SEC source, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed:

“This isn’t just a midlife crisis situation. Joey has been seriously exploring the logistics of a second union. The news shocked everyone internally, especially since he holds such a high-profile role at Tennessee.”

Adding to the complexity is the identity of the rumored second wife, believed to be a former college athlete and assistant within a Division II athletic program. The alleged relationship, which began during offseason recruiting events, had been dismissed by many as mere rumor until the divorce filing gave credence to the speculation.

Impact on the Tennessee Football Program

The Tennessee Volunteers program, led by head coach Josh Heupel, is currently preparing for what many expect to be a critical 2025 season. With returning talent, rising quarterback stars, and Halzle’s offensive system entering its third full year of implementation, expectations are high.

However, this personal controversy could become a massive distraction.

“Joey Halzle isn’t just an assistant coach—he’s the architect of the offense,” said SEC analyst Greg McElroy during a recent podcast. “If this situation starts to bleed into his professional responsibilities, Heupel has a very tough decision ahead.”

Already, there are murmurs that Tennessee’s athletic department is conducting an internal review, not necessarily for moral reasons, but to assess how this may impact public perception, recruiting, and media relations.

A booster closely involved with the athletic program told Rocky Top Insider:

“When families entrust their sons to this coaching staff, they’re expecting values to be modeled both on and off the field. This situation complicates that trust.”

Cara Halzle’s Statement and Custody Demands

In a brief but pointed statement issued through her attorney Melissa Prather, Cara Halzle expressed heartbreak and resilience:

“While this is a deeply personal matter, I want to thank the University of Tennessee community for their support during this time. My children and I are focused on healing and rebuilding. I trust the legal system to ensure their wellbeing.”

The statement also confirmed that Cara is seeking primary physical custody of their three children, as well as joint legal custody. She’s requesting that Joey Halzle be granted limited visitation rights until emotional stability is determined through a court-ordered psychological evaluation.

Insiders say Cara is not seeking spousal support beyond child care assistance, indicating she wants a clean and relatively fast exit from the marriage.

University Response: “We Are Monitoring the Situation”

When contacted for comment, the University of Tennessee’s athletic department issued a formal response:

“We are aware of the personal matters involving Offensive Coordinator Joey Halzle. At this time, these are private family issues, and we will not comment further. The university has no reason to believe this affects Coach Halzle’s professional responsibilities.”

Despite the university’s reluctance to intervene, pressure is mounting. Several SEC schools have reportedly begun using the controversy in negative recruiting campaigns, raising concerns about “unstable family environments” among coaching staff.

Players and Parents React

While the Tennessee locker room remains mostly silent, sources within the team report that some players have voiced confusion and concern. A redshirt sophomore quarterback, speaking anonymously, said:

“Coach Halzle has always preached unity and values. It’s weird to see this side of his life pop up all of a sudden. We’re trying to stay focused, but yeah—it’s distracting.”

Parents of current recruits are also reportedly asking questions. One parent of a 2025 four-star quarterback recruit stated:

“We want our son to play for a program with moral leadership. If Coach Halzle has two wives, or is even considering it, we need clarity. That’s not what we expected.”

Community Backlash and Church Fallout

Adding fuel to the fire, Cara and Joey Halzle have long been involved in a local Knoxville church, which has now become embroiled in controversy itself. Multiple members of the congregation have publicly questioned Joey’s leadership in small group sessions and his prior mentoring of high school athletes.

“He was mentoring young men while living a double life,” said one church elder, who requested anonymity. “That’s not something we take lightly.”

Reports also indicate that Halzle has been asked to step back from all speaking and mentoring roles within the church until the situation is clarified.

Potential Legal Implications

Though marriage to a second spouse while legally bound to another is illegal in the U.S., Halzle’s situation appears to involve a non-state-recognized religious or cultural ceremony, which could complicate potential legal consequences. Legal experts say that if Cara’s lawyers can prove that Halzle entered into a pseudo-marital relationship while married, adultery charges and custody limitations could be enforced in Tennessee.

“Even if the second marriage isn’t legally recognized, intent and perception can carry weight in family court,” said Knoxville-based family attorney Tamara Long. “Cara’s legal team will almost certainly use this as a moral argument.”

What Comes Next for Joey Halzle?

Professionally, Halzle remains one of the top offensive minds in college football. But the storm around his personal life may cloud future opportunities. In recent months, Halzle had reportedly attracted interest from Power Five programs for potential head coaching roles. Whether those offers remain on the table is now uncertain.

Media watchdogs are predicting that major networks like ESPN, SEC Network, and FOX will soon run segments addressing the situation—particularly as it intersects with the broader debate about ethics in college football leadership.

Conclusion: From Playbooks to Personal Bombshells

In a world where personal lives often remain shielded behind stadium walls and headset microphones, Joey Halzle’s private decisions are now center stage. As the University of Tennessee attempts to weather this PR storm, fans, families, and players are left asking tough questions.

Can a coach balance personal turmoil with team leadership?

Can a football program maintain its moral compass when the foundation of one of its leaders begins to crack?

And perhaps most importantly—will Tennessee football be defined more by its playbook or by its headlines in 2025?

As the Vols press forward into a crucial summer of preparation, one thing is clear: the Halzle household, once seen as a symbol of unity, now represents one of the biggest off-field stories in college football this year.