Titans bad week hits rock bottom as Tennessee Volunteers poach Mike Keith as the new Voice of the Vols
The Titans just lost perhaps their biggest mascot of stability to Knoxville.
The Titans have had a very long 2025. And it's only been 9 days.
When Bob Kesling announced his retirement after 26 years as the voice of the Tennessee Volunteers last November, all eyes turned to one man to replace him. A little over two months later, the announcement has been made: Mike Keith is leaving as the voice of the Tennessee Titans to join the booth up in Knoxville, becoming the voice of the Vols.
Keith's time in Nashville with the Titans lasted 27 years, and in that stretch he became one of the most famous and beloved faces of the franchise. Keith is renowned throughout sports media as being one of the best broadcasters in the industry today, and that was a big part of the reason why he atop the Volunteers' list of candidates.
But the other big reason was because this is a homecoming for Keith. He attended the University of Tennessee and worked for John Ward as a young broadcaster. In his official statement on the move, you can sense his excitement to return home:
"While it is very hard to say goodbye to the Tennessee Titans, it is not hard to say "yes" to a return to the University of Tennessee and the Vol Network," said Keith. Alicia Longworth laid out a very exciting plan for how I can assist the talented VFL Films content team. Steve Early has continued to make me feel a part of the Vol Network family since I left Knoxville in 1998—it was like I never left. Everyone associated in this process has been very professional, very impressive and very kind. This continued a theme from a series of experiences that I have had over the last five years when dealing with anyone—athletics, University and Campus leadership, staff, faculty, students, etc.—-from the University of Tennessee. Everyone is just top-notch, and I mean EVERYONE. I am excited to join this entire team in hopes that I can add a solid contribution. It is great to be a Tennessee Volunteer, especially in 2025!"
Keith will work at the play-by-play announcer for Vols football and men's basketball, as well as being involved in various programming initiatives to be announced at a later date. With his lengthy experience in the industry as both talent and executive, it's a no-brainer to get him as involved as possible with Tennessee Athletics.
That's perhaps what the Titans will miss the most, from a logistical standpoint. Mike wore many hats for them. He was the the voice of their radio program, the executive head of their broadcasting operations, the voice of their official podcast and other various media endeavors, and a real mascot for the team. He was a manager and producer as much as he was a phenomenal talent. And now the Titans, on a week that was already a bit of a disaster for them, add another huge task to their plate: replace Mike Keith.
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