Mike Ekeler, who has been serving as the outside linebackers and special teams coordinator for the Tennessee Volunteers since 2021, is reportedly considering a return to the Nebraska Cornhuskers to assume the role of special teams coordinator. Ekeler’s coaching career includes a previous tenure at Nebraska from 2008 to 2010, during which he coached linebackers under head coach Bo Pelini. His time in Lincoln was marked by the Cornhuskers winning or sharing the Big 12 Conference North Division title each season.
In a recent conversation with Nebraska reporter Steve Sipple, Ekeler expressed interest in returning to Nebraska, stating he “would absolutely be interested in coming back to Nebraska to be the Special Teams coordinator.” This sentiment was highlighted by Wilson Dittman, a young NC insider, who noted that Ekeler’s ties to the state and program run deep, making it easy to see why he’d want to return.
Ekeler’s coaching resume is extensive, boasting over 16 years of Power Five experience and participation in three national championship games. Before his current role at Tennessee, he held positions at several prominent programs, including:
- Kansas (2019): Special Teams Coordinator and Inside Linebackers Coach
- North Carolina (2017–2018): Linebackers Coach
- North Texas (2016): Defensive Coordinator and Linebackers Coach
- Georgia (2014–2015): Inside Linebackers Coach and Defensive Special Teams Coordinator
- USC (2013): Linebackers Coach
- Indiana (2011–2012): Co-Defensive Coordinator and Linebackers Coach
- Nebraska (2008–2010): Linebackers Coach
- LSU (2005–2007): Defensive Graduate Assistant and Intern
- Oklahoma (2003–2004): Defensive Graduate Assistant
His coaching journey began with roles at Omaha Skutt High School and Manhattan High School before transitioning to the collegiate level.
Ekeler’s potential move to Nebraska is influenced by personal factors as well. A native of David City, Nebraska, he has family ties in the state, with his parents residing in Fremont, approximately 50 minutes from Lincoln. Additionally, with his daughter recently graduating from the University of Tennessee, there are fewer personal commitments keeping him in Knoxville.
As of now, no official announcement has been made regarding Ekeler’s departure from Tennessee or his appointment at Nebraska. However, given his expressed interest and deep-rooted connections to Nebraska, the coaching community is closely monitoring this development.
