Tennessee Assistant Coach Bids Farewell to Vol Nation After Move to Nebraska
Tennessee football has experienced just one coaching staff change this offseason, with outside linebackers and special teams coach Mike Ekeler departing for the same role at Nebraska.
Six days after news of his move broke, Ekeler shared a farewell message to Tennessee fans on X, marking the end of his tenure in Knoxville.
**Mike Ekeler Shares Farewell Message to Vol Nation After Joining Nebraska**
Outside linebackers and special teams coach Mike Ekeler officially bid farewell to Tennessee fans after his move to Nebraska.
“THANK YOU VOL Nation, players & staff,” Ekeler wrote on X. “It’s been an amazing 4 years filled with incredible memories! My family doesn’t have words to express our gratitude. I’m proud of the INCREDIBLE specialist & OLB rooms we’ve built for a bright future @Vol_Football. Mike & Barbie.”
Ekeler’s departure marks the only coaching staff change for Tennessee this offseason as he takes on the same role at Nebraska.
**Mike Ekeler Departs Tennessee, Reflects on Favorite Vols Moment**
Mike Ekeler, who was part of Josh Heupel’s original coaching staff at Tennessee, spent the last four seasons as the Vols’ outside linebackers and special teams coach. The fiery 53-year-old’s contract was set to expire at the end of the 2024-25 season, and Tennessee had yet to announce an extension before he accepted the same role at Nebraska.
In addition to thanking Vol Nation in his farewell message, Ekeler shared his favorite moment from his time at Tennessee—and of his entire coaching career. He recalled kicker Chase McGrath telling him, “Ek, I got this,” just before nailing the game-winning kick against Alabama in 2022.
**Mike Ekeler Brings Extensive Coaching Experience Back to Nebraska**
Before his recent tenure at Tennessee, Mike Ekeler previously coached at Nebraska under Bo Pelini, serving as the inside linebackers coach from 2008 to 2010.
Throughout his coaching career, Ekeler has made stops at several major programs, including Indiana, USC, Georgia, North Carolina, and Kansas, in addition to his time with the Volunteers and Cornhuskers. His return to Nebraska adds another chapter to his extensive coaching resume.
Mike Ekeler Leaves Tennessee as a Fan Favorite and Special Teams Standout
During his time at Tennessee, special teams coordinator Mike Ekeler became a beloved figure among Vols fans. Known for his fiery personality and active presence on social media, he frequently posted about “having his chili hot” and developed a strong friendship with Tennessee baseball coach Tony Vitello, becoming a passionate supporter of the program.
Ekeler was also known for his colorful press conference quotes, famously describing his returners as needing to be “a fart in the skillet” and his gunners as “a little bit on the spectrum.”
On the field, Tennessee’s special teams performed well under his leadership, particularly early in his tenure. The Vols consistently fielded strong returners, starting with Velus Jones Jr. and later Dee Williams, helping the unit maintain a high level of play.