It took a while for Josh Heupel to make it to the postgame press conference. Saturday night had been a bit hectic. Chase McGrath’s game-winning 40-yard kick ended the career of two goalposts. While the lower bowl emptied onto Neyland Stadium’s field, Heupel was in a haze of smoke, orange and jubilation.

Nearly an hour after the 52-49 score went final, Heupel leading Tennessee to its first win over Alabama since 2006, Heupel finally made his way in front of the podium.

“Sorry I’m a bit late,” Heupel said with a laugh.

“Tonight obviously was for our players. It’s for our former players. It’s for our donors. It’s for our fans. I know how much this has meant to the people of Tennessee and Vol nation. … It was a great night, man. I think it speaks to the mentality, the growth and the progress of the individuals inside our locker room. … Really proud of them and excited to be able to celebrate with everybody tonight.”

The party took over Knoxville’s streets fraternity houses and rivers. Fireworks encircled the night sky as cigars were lit amid the madness. Heupel puffed one from Outsider. The second-year head coach flashed a sly smile and a “no comment” when asked when his last one was.

“I smoked it slow but it was dang good.

“Our administration had a plan. We were gonna try to make sure our team was safe, our staff was safe. Man, what an unbelievable scene as that thing ends. Shoot, I’m running out in the middle of the field. You can see the swarm of orange coming down. … God the energy from our fans, man, our student-bod, our entire stadium. It was electric. …. Tonight’s Vol Walk was unlike anything I could ever imagine. The see when I turned left with my kids was so deep. What an awesome night for Vol Nation,” Heupel said.

MORE Vols-Tide: Watch as Tennessee fans celebrate Alabama win by pulling down goal posts

Instant analysis: Vols stun Alabama, ends streak at 15 years

The ‘soft’ 15 seconds from the Tide that decided Alabama-Tennessee

Heupel shared credit amid the Volunteers players, “it starts” with quarterback Hendon Hooker. He threw his first interception of the year and overthrew a couple of would-be touchdowns. Still, the sixth-year senior compiled more than 400 yards of offense and five touchdowns, completing 70% of his passes. Playing with a backup tackle, Tennessee’s offensive line allowed no hurries and just two tackles for loss.

The game’s star was Jalin Hyatt, who caught five touchdowns for 207 yards. Heupel said he has a “great story,” from South Carolina four-star not recruited by the Gamecocks. While Alabama head coach Nick Saban noted the Vols schemed matchups getting Hyatt on Tide safeties, Heupel said Hyatt was a “good player making good plays.”

“I think we have good leadership within our locker room,” Heupel said. “It starts there. This group continues to believe. They’ve been smart enough and mature enough to be real and understood what the video looks like to continue to improve. Their practice habits are one of the reasons I love this team.”

Amid the festivities on the field, Heupel was able to find McGrath. The kicker had missed an extra point in the third quarter and gave the Tide an opening. But after etching his name into the history of the 121-year Alabama-Tennessee rivalry, McGrath and his coach embraced.

“I went over and talked to him on the bench and he gave me the look like, ‘Get away from me. I’m good. You don’t need to talk to me.’ He’s a competitor,” Heupel said. “For him to go out and finish it tonight, it’s fitting.

“You can look on Cumberland (Ave.) and see the excitement in our fan base. For us, as a team this year it’s just the beginning. We’re in the middle stages of it. … Rocky Top is special. That’s why I wanted to be here.”

Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].