Tennessee special teams coordinator and outside linebackers coach Mike Ekeler has been hired to join Matt Rhule‘s staff at Nebraska, according to On3’s Austin Price. This marks an exciting new chapter for both Ekeler and the Cornhuskers as they aim to build on their recent successes.
Ekeler returns to his roots
Ekeler is a Nebraska native who previously coached linebackers for the Cornhuskers from 2008-10. His return to Nebraska is significant, as he brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the program. He had been on staff at Tennessee since 2021, where he contributed to the development of the team’s special teams and linebackers.
A journey through college football
Mike Ekeler’s coaching journey began as a graduate assistant at Oklahoma in 2003-04, where he worked alongside Josh Heupel, who was also a GA with the Sooners at the time. This early experience laid the groundwork for a successful coaching career, as he later teamed up with Heupel again when Heupel took the helm at Tennessee ahead of the 2021 season.
Throughout his career, Ekeler has made several other stops, including coaching positions at Indiana, USC, Georgia, and North Carolina. Each of these roles has equipped him with valuable insights and strategies that he will bring back to his home state of Nebraska. Now, he is reportedly set to coach special teams for the Cornhuskers, a crucial area for any successful football program.
Nebraska looking ahead to 2025
Matt Rhule is entering his third season as the head coach at Nebraska. The Cornhuskers are coming off a solid 7-6 season in 2024, and with Ekeler’s addition to the coaching staff, there is a palpable sense of optimism surrounding the program. The team is poised to return plenty of talent for the 2025 season, including quarterback Dylan Raiola, who made waves as the starter for the Cornhuskers as a true freshman.
Dylan Raiola sets offseason goals
Dylan Raiola passed his trial run with flying colors this past season, but now, it’s time to take the next step. On Saturday, Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule revealed his offseason goals for the Cornhuskers’ QB1. “Before he can make it his team, I think he has to make it his offense. Before he makes it his offense, I think he has to make it his receiving corps,” Rhule said.
Rhule emphasized the importance of Raiola developing strong connections with his teammates. “I went to the Supernova game last night, and he’s over there with Heinrich [Haarberg], and they’re sitting courtside, which is great, as long as you’re in the building this morning, throwing, which I know they were,” he added. This dedication is crucial as Raiola looks to solidify his leadership role within the team.
Raiola ready for the challenge
The work Raiola put in last offseason paid dividends. He started all 13 games for the Cornhuskers during his debut campaign, completing an impressive 67.1% of his pass attempts for 2,595 yards and 12 touchdowns while throwing 10 interceptions. These statistics highlight his potential and the promise he holds for the upcoming season.
As Ekeler joins the coaching staff, the focus will be on enhancing the overall performance of the team, particularly in special teams, an area that can often make or break a game. With a talented roster and a dedicated coaching staff, Nebraska is gearing up for a competitive season in 2025.
Ekeler’s impact on the team
Now, Mike Ekeler is coming over from Tennessee to try and help the Cornhuskers program get even better. His experience and knowledge will be invaluable as he works to refine the special teams unit, which can often be the difference in tight games. The excitement surrounding his return to Nebraska is palpable, and fans are eager to see how his coaching style will influence the team’s performance.
In summary, the arrival of Mike Ekeler at Nebraska is a significant development for the Cornhuskers as they look to build on their recent success. With a talented quarterback in Dylan Raiola and a dedicated coaching staff led by Matt Rhule, the future looks bright for Nebraska football. The combination of Ekeler’s experience and Raiola’s potential could lead to a thrilling season ahead, and fans are ready to rally behind their team as they strive for greatness.
