Matt Rhule says Mike Ekeler brings passion, elite history as Nebraska’s special teams coach

The final member of the Nebraska football teams 2025 coaching staff is now in place.

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule announced on Tuesday that he has hired Mike Ekeler, a Blair native and former Husker assistant, as the programs next special teams coordinator.

Mike Ekeler brings a history of special teams excellence to Nebraska, Rhule said in a statement.

His work with Tennessees special teams has been elite.

Regardless of what statistics you look at over the past four years, Tennessees special teams have been at or near the top in the nation.

Mikes energy and true passion for special teams carries over to the players on his units and that will have a positive impact on our program.

The 53-year-old Ekeler previously coached Nebraskas linebackers from 2008-10 under former head coach Bo Pelini before spending time at Indiana, USC, Georgia, North Texas, North Carolina and Kansas in the 15 years which followed.

Ekeler eventually found a long term home at Tennessee, where he coached the programs outside linebackers and special teams units over the last four years.

Ekeler posted a goodbye message to Volunteer fans on social media Sunday afternoon ahead of his move to Lincoln.

Having delivered an immediate turnaround on special teams at Tennessee in 2021, Ekeler will be tasked with improving a Nebraska unit which ranked No.

111 in special teams efficiency this fall.

"I appreciate everyone who has impacted me and prepared me for this opportunity to come back to Nebraska and help get this program back to the top of college football," Ekeler said in a statement.

Prior to officially announcing Ekelers hire, Rhule said on Feb.

1 that Nebraskas next special teams coordinator will have a non-recruiting role on the Husker coaching staff.

Ed Foley, who worked as NUs special teams coach for the last two seasons, is expected to remain on staff as the programs director of football relations.

Ekeler is the fifth new assistant coach hired by Rhule this offseason.

Phil Snow (associate head coach), Phillip Simpson (outside linebackers) and Addison Williams (defensive backs) have been in their roles since December, while Terry Bradden (defensive line) will only now take over as a Husker assistant after coaching in Super Bowl LIX with the Kansas City Chiefs.

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