Tennessee coach departing for Nebraska sends emotional goodbye to Vols Nation
While there’s been plenty of positive news surrounding the Tennessee football team this offseason, a major blow recently came in for head man Josh Heupel and his staff. In case you missed it, special teams coordinator Mike Ekeler is leaving to join Matt Rhule’s staff at Nebraska.
Thanks to Ekeler, Tennessee’s special teams have been brilliant in recent seasons. This is a return home for Ekeler, as he’s a Nebraska native and he was on the Cornhuskers’ staff earlier in his career. Before making the move from Knoxville to Lincoln, though, Ekeler took to social media to send a heartwarming goodbye to fans everywhere. You can tell how hard this decision was for him:
THANK YOU VOL Nation, players & staff. It’s been an amazing 4 years filled with incredible memories! My family doesn’t have words to express our gratitude. I’m proud of the INCREDIBLE specialist & OLB rooms we’ve built for a bright future @Vol_Football 💯❤️Mike & Barbie 🌶️🔥 pic.twitter.com/ebOKEJsB0C
— Mike Ekeler (@CoachEkelerUT) February 9, 2025
Mike Ekeler posted a heartwarming goodbye to Tennessee fans everywhere
In addition to serving as the team’s special teams coordinator, Ekeler also led the way for the outside linebackers group. In the replies to his message to the fanbase, plenty of people are showing Ekeler a ton of love and rightfully so.
During his time with the Vols, he was known for being a great leader and coaching up his players with an incredible amount of passion. His energy is going to be missed on the team both on and off the field. This also leaves a big hole for Heupel’s staff.
He’ll now be on the lookout for a new special teams coordinator and OLBs coach. Thankfully, Heupel didn’t have to replace defensive coordinator Tim Banks too, as he agreed to terms on an extension with the team despite outside interest.
The same can’t be said for Ekeler, however, as he’s all set to make his way to Nebraska for this next chapter in his career. It’s hard to see him leave the Vols, but people are wishing him the best in this new journey.
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ESPN analyst refers to standout former Vol Trey Smith as ‘backup’ ahead of Super Bowl 59
ESPN analyst and former linebacker Bart Scott said on Get Up this weekend that he likes the matchup between Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman Jalen Carter and Kansas City Chiefs “backup” Trey Smith in Sunday’s Super Bowl.
The problem? The former Tennessee All-American lineman has started all 19 games for Kansas City this season. And he was selected as a Pro Bowler.
Now, it’s possible that Scott got his names confused. He also mentioned Mike Caliendo, an undrafted free agent who has started in 5 of his last 6 appearances at left guard as Kansas City has shuffled its offensive line and kicked Joe Thuney out to left tackle.
But when Get Up host Mike Greenberg tried to save his partner by adding that Smith was a “veritable giant of a man,” Scott responded rather dismissively.
“What’s a goon to a goblin, though?” he said.
Smith and teammate Creed Humphrey enter into Super Bowl Sunday with the most pass-blocking snaps played by any NFL offensive lineman without allowing a sack, per PFF. Sixty-three NFL linemen have played at least 600 snaps as a pass-blocker this season, according to PFF; Smith is 1 of just 6 who have not allowed a sack.
And he has been a consistently effective blocker for Kansas City across his 4 years in the league. In more than 3,200 pass-blocking reps, Smith has allowed just 9 sacks. He has played at least 1,230 snaps in each of his 4 years with the organization.
As expected, Scott’s slight didn’t go over well on social media, with more than a few calling him out for the fact error.
Smith and the Chiefs take on the Eagles in Super Bowl LIX on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET on FOX. Kansas City is seeking an unprecedented 3-peat.
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