Mike Ekeler, a seasoned football coach with over two decades of experience, has made a significant move by departing from his role as the Special Teams Coordinator and Outside Linebackers Coach at the University of Tennessee to rejoin the University of Nebraska as their Special Teams Coordinator. This transition marks a return to familiar grounds for Ekeler, who previously served as Nebraska’s Linebackers Coach from 2008 to 2010.
Coaching Tenure at Tennessee
Ekeler joined the Tennessee Volunteers in 2021, bringing with him a wealth of experience from various Power Five programs. During his tenure at Tennessee, he was instrumental in enhancing the performance of both the special teams and the outside linebackers. His coaching prowess contributed to the team’s appearances in notable bowl games, including the 2022 Orange Bowl and the 2024 Citrus Bowl.
A Return to Nebraska
Returning to Nebraska is a homecoming for Ekeler, both professionally and personally. A native of David City, Nebraska, he previously contributed to the Cornhuskers’ success as their Linebackers Coach, during which time the team clinched or shared the Big 12 Conference North Division title for three consecutive seasons. His earlier stint at Nebraska was marked by the development of standout players, including Lavonte David, an All-Pro linebacker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Career Highlights and Experience
Ekeler’s coaching journey is distinguished by his roles at several prestigious programs:
- Oklahoma (2003-2004): Served as a Defensive Graduate Assistant, contributing to the team’s appearances in consecutive BCS National Championship games.
- LSU (2005-2007): Worked under head coach Les Miles as a Defensive Graduate Assistant and Defensive Intern, culminating in a BCS National Championship victory in 2007.
- Indiana (2011-2012): Held the position of Co-Defensive Coordinator and Linebackers Coach, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the team’s defensive strategies.
- Georgia (2014-2015): As the Inside Linebackers Coach and Defensive Special Teams Coordinator, Ekeler was part of a defense that ranked seventh nationally in total defense in 2015.
- North Texas (2016): Took on the role of Defensive Coordinator and Linebackers Coach, overseeing a significant improvement in the team’s defensive performance.
- North Carolina (2017-2018): Coached the linebackers, mentoring players like Cole Holcomb, who led the Atlantic Coast Conference in tackles in 2018.
- Kansas (2019): Served as the Special Teams Coordinator and Inside Linebackers Coach, reuniting with head coach Les Miles and contributing to the development of players who received All-Big 12 honors.
Throughout his career, Ekeler has been recognized for his dynamic coaching style and his ability to develop talent across various positions. His return to Nebraska is anticipated to bolster the Cornhuskers’ special teams unit, bringing renewed energy and strategic insight.
Personal Background
Born on October 4, 1971, in David City, Nebraska, Ekeler played linebacker at Kansas State University from 1991 to 1994, where he was a special teams standout and team captain in his senior year. He earned his bachelor’s degree in social sciences from Kansas State in 1995. Ekeler and his wife, Barbie, have four children: J.J., Cameryn, Abigail, and Bella.
