Mike Ekeler to Revitalize Nebraska Special Teams

Mike Ekeler has been appointed as Nebraska's new special teams coordinator, taking over from Ed Foley, who departed at the end of the 2024 season. Ekeler, a Nebraska native, returns to the Cornhuskers after spending four successful seasons at Tennessee, where he was recognized for leading the SEC in punt return average multiple times. His previous tenure at Nebraska from 2008 to 2010 saw significant defensive achievements, including leading the nation in scoring defense in 2009. Ekeler has a reputation for being an intense and effective coach, and his return is seen as a promising move for Nebraska's special teams, which struggled in recent seasons. This appointment aligns with Head Coach Matt Rhule's strategy to revitalize the team by addressing past issues, particularly in special teams performance. Ekeler's extensive experience and ties to Nebraska are expected to bring stability and success to the program.