Tennessee Volunteers special teams coordinator and outside linebackers coach Mike Ekeler may be considering a move this offseason. According to reports, Ekeler is interested in the recently opened special teams coordinator position at Nebraska, a job that has caught the attention of multiple candidates.
Ekeler’s contract with the Vols is set to expire at the end of January, and the Nebraska connection is notable. Ekeler, a Nebraska native, has deep ties to the Cornhusker program, having served as an assistant coach at Nebraska from 2008 to 2010. According to Steven Sipple of Husker Online, Ekeler has expressed interest in returning to his home state, though it’s unclear whether Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule is actively pursuing him.
“Mike Ekeler, and I don’t think Mike would mind me saying, he’s interested… he would do it,” Sipple noted, adding that Ekeler’s parents live in Fremont, just 50 minutes north of Lincoln. This proximity to family could make the move even more appealing to Ekeler, who has built a reputation as a high-energy, effective coach at Tennessee.
Ekeler has been a key part of the Vols’ success, particularly in special teams, where his units have shown significant improvement. His departure would leave a void in both coaching and leadership. His dynamic presence has been a cornerstone of Tennessee’s program, and his absence could be felt not only on the field but in the locker room.
If Ekeler moves to Nebraska, Tennessee would need to fill both the special teams coordinator role and possibly look for a replacement for his responsibilities with outside linebackers. Senior defensive analyst Levorn “Coach Chop” Harbin could be in line to take over the outside linebackers coaching duties. Harbin has experience coaching special teams at Georgia Southern, and Vols linebackers coach William Inge previously worked in special teams at Indiana, which could provide additional flexibility for Tennessee.
While it remains uncertain whether Ekeler will make the move, his potential departure adds another layer of intrigue to Tennessee’s offseason coaching changes. Fans will be watching closely as the situation unfolds.
