Popular former Tennessee Vols assistant coach lands new job in college football
A former Tennessee Vols assistant coach is on the move again just a year after leaving Rocky Top.
A popular former Tennessee Vols assistant coach reportedly has a new job in college football.
According to CBS Sports college football insider Matt Zenitz, the USC Trojans are in the process of hiring Nebraska special teams coordinator Mike Ekeler.
Ekeler served as Tennessee’s special teams coordinator/outside linebackers coach from 2021 to 2024.
Ekeler, who is from Nebraska, joined the Cornhuskers’ staff last winter following a strong push from podcaster Will Compton.
Compton is a former Nebraska linebacker who played for Ekeler in college.
Mike Ekeler delivered a heartfelt message when he left Tennessee a year ago
There was no bad blood when Ekeler left Knoxville for Lincoln.
Ekeler, in fact, delivered a heartfelt message to Vols fans when he took the job at Nebraska.
“THANK YOU VOL Nation, players and staff,” wrote Ekeler. “It’s been an amazing four years filled with incredible memories! My family doesn’t have words to express our gratitude. I’m proud of the INCREDIBLE specialist and [outside linebacker] rooms we’ve built for a bright future.”
Ekeler also noted that his favorite moment of his career came in 2022 when Chase McGrath kicked the game-winning field goal against Alabama.
Ekeler’s energy was certainly missed on the sidelines in 2025.
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