Special Teams Coach Mike Ekeler of the Tennessee Volunteers Departing for Nebraska

Mike Ekeler’s Departure from Tennessee to Nebraska: A Deep Dive into Special Teams and Coaching Evolution

In the world of college football, coaching moves are often as impactful as the players themselves. The decision of Mike Ekeler, the Special Teams Coordinator for the Tennessee Volunteers, to depart for the Nebraska Cornhuskers marked a significant moment in both programs’ coaching histories. As a coach with a wealth of experience, Ekeler’s move to Nebraska represents not just a shift in location, but a shift in philosophies, expectations, and opportunities for both Ekeler and the teams involved.

A Storied Career: Mike Ekeler’s Journey to Tennessee

Mike Ekeler’s football coaching journey began in the early 2000s, where his background as a former linebacker at Kansas State allowed him to understand the intricacies of defense, special teams, and overall team dynamics. Over the years, Ekeler worked his way through various positions, contributing his expertise to multiple programs. His coaching career included stops at the University of Southern California (USC), Louisiana-Lafayette, North Texas, and multiple other programs. By the time he landed in Tennessee, Ekeler had already established a reputation for coaching high-intensity special teams and defense.

Before Tennessee, Ekeler had worked as a linebacker coach and defensive coordinator at several schools. However, his ability to turn special teams into a key weapon for a football team was what set him apart. His tenacious, energetic approach to coaching special teams led to numerous accolades, and his units routinely finished near the top of the NCAA rankings. Under his leadership, special teams weren’t just an afterthought or a necessary function of the game – they were a weapon.

When Ekeler arrived in Tennessee, the Volunteers were in need of stability. Head coach Josh Heupel had just been hired, and the program was in transition. The Volunteers had struggled in recent seasons, and their special teams had been a weak point. The addition of Ekeler, known for his intensity and meticulous attention to detail, was seen as a step in the right direction. It didn’t take long for his impact to be felt.

In his tenure at Tennessee, Ekeler transformed the special teams unit, making it one of the best in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). His ability to coach up kickers, punters, returners, and coverage units stood out. Players were not just executing plays; they were playing with energy and a clear sense of purpose. Whether it was a critical punt return, a surprise onside kick, or an explosive return game, Ekeler’s special teams were consistently a game-changer for the Volunteers.

During his time at Tennessee, Ekeler earned a reputation as a coach who wasn’t afraid to take risks and try unconventional approaches. His philosophy emphasized aggression, and his willingness to embrace analytics made him a forward-thinking coach in the special teams domain. Ekeler’s approach was not about playing it safe – it was about making every play count. His attention to detail and ability to put players in a position to succeed led to a culture of winning on special teams in Tennessee.

While his time at Tennessee was marked by success, Ekeler’s departure to Nebraska reflects the constant movement within the world of college football coaching. It’s not just about the wins and losses – it’s about the right fit, the right opportunity, and the right timing.

What Nebraska Sees in Mike Ekeler

Nebraska football has been through a tumultuous period in recent years. With the Cornhuskers’ historical dominance fading and a series of coaching changes, Nebraska needed a coach who could help bring stability and competitive success to the program. Enter Mike Ekeler. His hiring as Nebraska’s new special teams coordinator provides a sense of direction for a program that has faced a variety of challenges.

Nebraska’s football program, under head coach Matt Rhule, is undergoing a rebuilding process, and the addition of Ekeler is a statement that the Cornhuskers are serious about improving every facet of their game. Special teams often go underappreciated in the grand scheme of things, but those who understand the game know just how impactful a strong special teams unit can be. Rhule recognized this and made the strategic decision to bring Ekeler on board.

For Ekeler, Nebraska represents a fresh start in a program with immense potential. Nebraska’s fan base is passionate, and the history of the program gives Ekeler a platform to build something special. He inherits a team that has the talent to compete at a high level but has often fallen short in execution, particularly in the special teams department. Rhule’s vision for the program emphasizes discipline, resilience, and a balanced approach – all qualities that Ekeler embodies in his coaching style.

The state of Nebraska football and the Cornhuskers’ pursuit of excellence fit Ekeler’s coaching philosophy perfectly. Ekeler’s high-energy approach and emphasis on detail align with Rhule’s rebuilding plans, which are centered around creating a complete football team capable of contending for championships in the Big Ten. The addition of Ekeler not only strengthens Nebraska’s special teams but sends a clear message that the Cornhuskers are committed to building a comprehensive, top-tier football program.

The Transition: What Tennessee Will Miss

While Mike Ekeler’s departure to Nebraska is a positive step for his career, it represents a significant loss for the Tennessee Volunteers. Tennessee had grown accustomed to an electrifying special teams unit under Ekeler’s leadership, and losing him will undoubtedly have a ripple effect on the program.

In particular, Ekeler’s departure leaves a void in the Volunteers’ coaching staff, as his energy and experience were critical to the development of Tennessee’s special teams. The Volunteers had a competitive advantage with Ekeler’s innovative approach, and now the program must regroup and find a suitable replacement who can carry forward that momentum.

One of the standout aspects of Ekeler’s tenure was his ability to develop players at every position on special teams. Whether it was getting the most out of returners or ensuring the coverage units were in top form, Ekeler’s focus on player development made a major impact. Tennessee will need to find someone who can continue this work while maintaining the high standards Ekeler set. In a competitive conference like the SEC, special teams can often be the difference between winning and losing, and Tennessee will miss Ekeler’s ability to consistently deliver in this phase of the game.

Moreover, Ekeler’s work ethic and leadership were infectious. His personality rubbed off on his players, inspiring them to play with passion and precision. The impact of his coaching extended beyond the X’s and O’s – it was about creating a culture of excellence. Replacing that kind of leadership is no small task for Tennessee.

The Impact of Special Teams in Modern Football

Mike Ekeler’s move to Nebraska is an important moment because it highlights the growing importance of special teams in modern football. Too often in the past, special teams were viewed as a secondary or even a supplementary part of the game. But as the sport has evolved, so too has the understanding of the strategic value of special teams.

In recent years, we’ve seen games decided by a single play on special teams – a blocked kick, a return touchdown, or a well-executed fake. Coaches like Ekeler understand the significance of these moments and have made it their mission to elevate special teams to a place of prominence. By focusing on technique, conditioning, and game-planning, Ekeler transformed special teams into a crucial part of his teams’ successes.

This emphasis on special teams isn’t just about field goals or punts; it’s about the totality of the game. Strong special teams can flip the field position, provide scoring opportunities, and create momentum shifts that influence the entire game. For Nebraska, bringing in a coach who values this aspect of the game is a crucial step in their efforts to return to prominence. Rhule understands that Nebraska’s success will depend on winning in all three phases of the game, and Ekeler’s addition represents a commitment to making special teams a force.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Mike Ekeler at Nebraska

As Mike Ekeler begins his tenure at Nebraska, the road ahead is one filled with opportunities and challenges. Special teams are often the X-factor in close games, and Ekeler’s ability to harness that power will be critical in Nebraska’s pursuit of success in the Big Ten. His coaching philosophy, centered on attention to detail, aggression, and player development, will be tested in the rigors of Big Ten football.

For Ekeler, this move represents a new chapter in his career, one where his unique coaching style will be put to the test in a new environment. Nebraska has a rich football history, and the expectations for success are always high. But if there’s one thing that is clear, it’s that Mike Ekeler is more than equipped to handle the challenge. His proven track record, experience, and passion for the game will be an asset to Nebraska as they work toward reclaiming their place among college football’s elite programs.

As the 2025 season approaches, the impact of Ekeler’s move will be felt across both Tennessee and Nebraska. The Volunteers must replace a key member of their coaching staff, while the Cornhuskers are poised to benefit from a dynamic coach who brings a fresh perspective and a wealth of experience to one of football’s most important – yet often overlooked – areas of the game. The next chapter of Mike Ekeler’s career will be one to watch as he continues to shape the future of special teams in college football.