BREAKING: Tennessee Special Teams Coordinator Mike Ekeler Leaving for Nebraska to Reunite with Matt Rhule

In a significant shift for Tennessee football, special teams coordinator Mike Ekeler is set to leave the Volunteers to join Matt Rhule’s staff at Nebraska. The move comes as part of a broader effort by Rhule to rebuild and reshape Nebraska’s program, with Ekeler bringing his extensive experience and expertise in special teams to the Cornhuskers’ staff.

Ekeler’s departure marks a turning point for Tennessee’s special teams unit, but it also provides a fresh opportunity for him to reunite with Rhule, who he worked with previously at Temple and Louisiana-Lafayette. For Nebraska, this hire is a step forward in their mission to restore the program to national prominence, as special teams play will be a crucial element in Rhule’s effort to take the Cornhuskers back to the top of the Big Ten.

Mike Ekeler’s coaching career has spanned several years and multiple stops across the college football landscape, where he developed a reputation as an excellent recruiter and a standout special teams coach. Ekeler’s career includes stints at several notable programs, and his work with special teams units has garnered him significant recognition.

• Tennessee (2022-2023): Ekeler spent two seasons as the special teams coordinator at Tennessee, helping to build one of the more solid special teams units in the SEC.
• North Texas (2019-2021): Prior to Tennessee, Ekeler served as the special teams coordinator and linebackers coach at North Texas, where his units were known for aggressive play and exceptional coverage teams.
• Louisiana-Lafayette (2018): Ekeler worked under head coach Billy Napier at Louisiana-Lafayette, coaching linebackers and overseeing special teams, helping the Ragin’ Cajuns reach new heights.
• Temple (2013-2015): This is where Ekeler first crossed paths with Matt Rhule. At Temple, Ekeler helped develop a culture of hard-nosed football and laid the foundation for the defensive and special teams success that Rhule would later build on at Baylor and Nebraska.

Throughout his career, Ekeler has worked with special teams units that consistently ranked among the nation’s best, developing strong kick and punt coverage, return units, and a relentless mentality that matches the physicality of the teams he’s coached

Nebraska has been in a rebuilding phase since the departure of former head coach Scott Frost, and with the arrival of Matt Rhule, the program is looking to create a sustainable, competitive culture. Special teams often go overlooked, but Rhule and Ekeler recognize that strong special teams play can be the difference between winning and losing in tight games.

Under Rhule’s leadership, Nebraska is focused on creating a program that can compete in all three phases of the game: offense, defense, and special teams. By bringing in Ekeler, Rhule is solidifying his commitment to building a complete team, and Ekeler’s proven success in special teams coaching will help Nebraska get back on track.

Ekeler’s special teams units have always been known for discipline, execution, and big plays. Whether it’s kickoff coverage, field goals, or punt returns, Ekeler has demonstrated an ability to build units that excel in every aspect. His focus on attention to detail and his aggressive coaching style have produced numerous standout players and excellent game-changing moments on special teams.

One of the key aspects of this hire is the connection between Ekeler and Rhule. The two worked together at Temple and Louisiana-Lafayette, where they built a strong working relationship. Their familiarity with each other’s coaching philosophies will allow Ekeler to hit the ground running at Nebraska, knowing exactly what Rhule expects and how to get the most out of his special teams units.

For Rhule, bringing in Ekeler is not only about improving Nebraska’s special teams, but also about reinforcing his leadership team with someone he trusts to contribute to the culture change he’s working to establish. Rhule is well-known for being detail-oriented, and Ekeler’s ability to focus on the little things that matter in special teams is crucial for Nebraska’s overall success.

While Ekeler’s departure is a big loss for Tennessee, the Volunteers will need to adapt and fill the gap left by his exit. Under Ekeler, Tennessee’s special teams were efficient, and the unit often provided valuable contributions to the team’s success. Ekeler played a key role in developing talented returners and ensuring the kicking game was steady under pressure.

Tennessee’s new head coach, Josh Heupel, will have to quickly find a replacement who can continue to build on the special teams success that Ekeler helped establish. Special teams can be a make-or-break phase of the game, and Heupel will need someone capable of keeping the momentum going.

Given the emphasis Heupel has placed on offensive explosiveness, it’s likely that Tennessee’s next special teams coordinator will need to match that level of urgency and focus, creating a balanced approach that complements the team’s up-tempo style of play.

For Nebraska, Ekeler’s hiring comes at a crucial time. The Cornhuskers are looking to make significant strides after a 3-9 season in 2023. Special teams play often becomes the X-factor in close games, and Ekeler’s ability to develop a strong, disciplined, and effective special teams unit will give Nebraska an edge in tight contests.

Ekeler will have a chance to work with an up-and-coming Cornhusker squad that includes key pieces on offense and defense. His special teams expertise will be critical in field position battles, turnovers, and generating momentum throughout the season. Rhule’s emphasis on building a hard-nosed, disciplined program fits well with Ekeler’s coaching style, and fans can expect to see improved results on special teams in the upcoming years.

Mike Ekeler’s move to Nebraska is a huge win for Matt Rhule and the Cornhuskers as they continue to rebuild their football program. With Ekeler’s proven ability to coach top-tier special teams, Nebraska is set to gain a critical edge in what is often the overlooked phase of the game. Rhule’s relationship with Ekeler will allow for seamless integration, and Nebraska can expect an immediate impact in special teams as the Cornhuskers look to compete in the big ten

For Tennessee, losing Ekeler is a tough blow, but it also presents an opportunity for new leadership and continued growth in special teams play. The Volunteers will need to quickly move to fill the role and maintain the success that Ekeler helped foster during his time in Knoxville.