Mike Ekeler’s departure from the Tennessee Volunteers to become the special teams coordinator at the University of Nebraska marks a significant shift in the college football landscape. This move not only reunites Ekeler with his home state but also brings his dynamic coaching style back to Nebraska, where he previously served as linebackers coach from 2008 to 2010.
Early Life and Playing Career
Born on October 4, 1971, in David City, Nebraska, Mike Ekeler developed a passion for football at an early age. He attended Blair High School in Nebraska, where he showcased his athleticism and leadership on the field. After high school, Ekeler continued his football journey at Kansas State University, playing as a linebacker from 1991 to 1994. During his tenure at Kansas State, he was recognized for his tenacity and commitment, earning accolades for his contributions to the team’s defense.
Coaching Career
After concluding his playing career, Ekeler transitioned into coaching, bringing his enthusiasm and strategic insight to various programs across the country.
- Skutt High School (NE) (1999–2001): Ekeler began his coaching career as a volunteer assistant at Skutt High School, where he honed his coaching skills and developed a deep understanding of the game.
- Manhattan High School (KS) (2002): He served as an assistant coach at Manhattan High School, further expanding his coaching experience and preparing for higher levels of competition.
- University of Oklahoma (2003–2004): Ekeler joined the University of Oklahoma as a graduate assistant, working with the defensive unit and gaining valuable experience in a major college football program.
- Louisiana State University (2005–2007): Continuing his ascent in the coaching ranks, he served as a graduate assistant at LSU, contributing to the team’s defensive strategies and learning from seasoned coaches.
- University of Nebraska (2008–2010): Ekeler returned to his home state to coach linebackers at Nebraska, where he made a significant impact on the defensive unit and established himself as a rising star in the coaching community.
- University of Indiana (2011–2012): He took on the role of co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Indiana, further expanding his coaching portfolio and demonstrating his ability to lead defensive units.
- University of Southern California (2013): Ekeler served as the linebackers coach at USC, contributing to the development of the team’s defensive strategies and player development.
- University of Georgia (2014–2015): He continued his coaching career at Georgia, focusing on inside linebackers and defensive special teams, and further solidifying his reputation as a dynamic coach.
- University of North Texas (2016): Ekeler served as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at North Texas, leading the defensive unit and implementing effective strategies.
- University of North Carolina (2017–2018): He continued his coaching career at North Carolina, focusing on linebacker development and contributing to the team’s defensive success.
- University of Kansas (2019): Ekeler served as the special teams coordinator and inside linebackers coach at Kansas, showcasing his versatility and ability to lead multiple facets of the team.
- University of North Texas (2020): He returned to North Texas as the special teams coordinator, further refining his expertise in special teams play.
- University of Tennessee (2021–2025): Ekeler joined Tennessee as the outside linebackers and special teams coordinator, where he made a significant impact on the team’s performance and special teams units.
- University of Nebraska (2025–Present): In February 2025, Ekeler returned to Nebraska as the special teams coordinator, bringing his extensive experience and dynamic coaching style back to his home state.
Coaching Philosophy and Impact
Throughout his coaching career, Mike Ekeler has been renowned for his high-energy approach and innovative strategies. His tenure at Tennessee was marked by a revitalization of the special teams unit, which became a formidable force under his guidance. Ekeler’s emphasis on discipline, execution, and enthusiasm resonated with players, leading to improved performance and a renewed sense of purpose within the team.
His return to Nebraska is anticipated to have a profound impact on the Cornhuskers’ special teams. Given his previous experience with the program and his deep ties to the state, Ekeler is poised to bring a fresh perspective and renewed energy to the unit. His dynamic coaching style and commitment to excellence are expected to elevate Nebraska’s special teams play, contributing to the team’s overall success in the competitive Big Ten Conference.
Mike Ekeler’s journey in coaching has been one marked by growth, innovation, and a passion for developing not just skilled football players but leaders on the field. His return to Nebraska isn’t just a homecoming but a chance to instill his energy and vision into a program that has seen moments of brilliance but is still working to return to the upper echelons of college football. Ekeler’s unique style and relentless work ethic are assets that could elevate the Cornhuskers to new heights, particularly in an era where special teams can often be the difference between a win and a loss.
The Significance of Special Teams in Modern College Football
Special teams are sometimes viewed as the unsung heroes of football teams, often overshadowed by offensive and defensive stars. However, in recent years, the impact of special teams has been undeniable, especially in tightly contested games where every possession counts. Coaches like Ekeler have recognized the pivotal role special teams play in shaping the outcome of games and overall season success. Whether it’s through solid kick coverage, explosive returns, or effective field goal kicking, special teams can influence the momentum of a game, set up favorable field positions, or even directly score points.
At Tennessee, Ekeler’s special teams unit had an immediate and noticeable impact, improving dramatically from prior seasons. His focus on player discipline, execution under pressure, and a relentless competitive spirit brought new life to the Volunteers’ special teams play. He became known for his ability to take players who may not have been stars on offense or defense and turn them into dynamic contributors on special teams.
For Nebraska, the hope is that Ekeler can replicate this success and elevate the Cornhuskers’ special teams to be a game-changing unit. Nebraska, with its storied football history, has always valued all facets of the game, but special teams has been a weak point in some of the most recent seasons. The Cornhuskers have faced challenges in areas such as field goal accuracy, punting, and kickoff returns. With Ekeler’s history of success in coaching special teams, Nebraska’s faithful are hoping that his guidance will lead to improvement in these crucial areas.
What Ekeler Brings to Nebraska
Mike Ekeler’s move to Nebraska brings not just his experience but also a sense of continuity. He’s no stranger to the state or the university, having previously worked as the linebackers coach at Nebraska under former head coach Bo Pelini. His time in Lincoln allowed him to form relationships with players, coaches, and the Nebraska community that will serve him well in his new role.
Beyond his familiarity with Nebraska, Ekeler is known for his ability to get the best out of his players, especially those who may not always be considered the star players. His specialty lies in developing a player’s football IQ, physicality, and mental toughness, all of which are essential for success in special teams play. Ekeler’s high-energy approach ensures that players remain motivated and focused on the task at hand, and his attention to detail and innovative coaching methods have earned him the respect of his peers and players alike.
One of Ekeler’s defining qualities is his ability to make adjustments on the fly. Special teams are often filled with unique, unpredictable situations, and a good coach must be ready to make tactical changes during a game. Ekeler has demonstrated time and again that he can do just that, adjusting his strategies to fit the strengths of his players and the unique circumstances of each game. This adaptability will be vital for Nebraska, especially as they face a competitive Big Ten Conference that includes powerhouse teams such as Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State.
Ekeler’s ability to foster strong team chemistry also cannot be understated. Special teams often involve a mix of starters and players from different positions, and Ekeler excels at ensuring these individuals work together seamlessly. His approach to coaching is holistic, focusing not just on technique but on team dynamics and leadership, which is crucial in maintaining a cohesive, motivated unit.
Recruiting and Development: A Key Factor
In college football, recruiting is an integral aspect of building a successful program. Special teams coaches, like Ekeler, play an important role in this process as well, particularly when it comes to finding players who may not be stars on offense or defense but can excel in special teams roles. These players—whether they’re kickers, punters, or return men—need to have a strong skill set, but they also need to be mentally tough, reliable, and willing to take on a significant amount of responsibility for the success of the team.
Ekeler’s reputation as a strong recruiter bodes well for Nebraska. He has built an impressive track record of identifying and developing talented players at various stops throughout his coaching career. His ability to evaluate talent is not limited to traditional positions; he’s equally adept at identifying players who can excel in the specialized roles that special teams require. Nebraska’s recruiting efforts, under Ekeler’s guidance, will likely focus on finding individuals with the right mindset and skill set for special teams play, as well as continuing to develop players already on the roster.
The Road Ahead for Nebraska
Mike Ekeler’s appointment as Nebraska’s special teams coordinator is an exciting development for a program in search of success in the ever-competitive Big Ten. As the Cornhuskers continue to rebuild and seek their identity, special teams will be a key component of their overall strategy. A strong, well-coached special teams unit can provide a team with the edge it needs in tight games, help win field position battles, and ultimately play a role in taking the program to new heights.
For Nebraska fans, this is a pivotal moment. Ekeler’s return to Lincoln provides hope that the team can once again become a competitive force in college football. His high-energy approach, innovative coaching methods, and history of success make him the ideal candidate to lead the Cornhuskers’ special teams into a new era. If Ekeler’s track record is any indication, his impact will be felt immediately.
While his time at Tennessee was successful, the Nebraska job offers Ekeler a new set of challenges and opportunities. He has the potential to help Nebraska’s special teams become one of the best in the Big Ten, providing a key advantage in the battle for conference supremacy. As we look ahead to the 2025 season and beyond, Mike Ekeler’s role in shaping Nebraska’s future cannot be overstated, and it will be exciting to see how he transforms the Cornhuskers’ special teams into a strength of the program.
Conclusion
Mike Ekeler’s move from Tennessee to Nebraska is more than just a change in location—it’s an opportunity for a program to take the next step toward regaining its former glory. Special teams, often an overlooked aspect of football, will now be in the hands of one of the nation’s top coaches in the field. Ekeler’s commitment to player development, his innovative approach to special teams play, and his deep ties to Nebraska position him to make an immediate and lasting impact on the Cornhuskers. The road ahead for Nebraska football may be challenging, but with Ekeler’s guidance, the Cornhuskers’ special teams unit could be a game-changer for years to come.