Nebraska’s much discussed special teams coordinator role will be filled with a familiar face in Mike Ekeler a source confirmed to Husker247 Monday morning. Ekeler was a former linebackers coach across three seasons in Lincoln from 2008-2010.
The Huskers have not yet made the expected hire official.
Ekeler has been in a special teams role several times in his career, most recently with Tennessee since 2021, but before that at North Texas (2020), Kansas (2019) and Georgia (2014-15).
Prior to 2024 the Vols excelled in several areas of special teams including punt return and punt coverage. The numbers are impressive as the Vols returned punts for 874 yards in those three seasons and allowed only 47yards on returns themselves.
The returns were strong once again in 2024 as Tennessee fielded 27 punts and returned them 424 yards. The coverage unit wasn’t as strong — allowing 115 yards — but both numbers are significantly better than what the Huskers produced in 2024 or other recent years.
Tennessee’s specialists acquitted themselves well in 2024 as punter Ross Jackson finished with 21 of his 53 punts inside the 20-yard line and only had four touchbacks on the season. Placekicker Max Gilbert finished 20-for-26 on field goals while the Vols kickoff specialists allowed a total of just 14 kick returns all season.
Nebraska’s issues in the third phase were numerous as the team struggled to do just about everything. The Huskers finished with just 73 yards in returns on punts and the team had issues with when to field punts, often setting the team up in tough territory or, against Iowa, botching a catch inside the 10-yard-line and allowing the Hawkeyes to take possession.
Multiple punts were blocked during the season though Brian Buschini still managed to finish with a quality average. The Huskers struggled at times with field goals and extra points because of snap issues.
Ekeler will inherit two transfer additions in long snapper Kevin Gallic (New Hampshire) and punter Jack McAllister (Washington) as well as kickers Tristan Alvano and John Hohl. Alvano spent much of 2024 hurt and Hohl came on strong when the snaps were quality. It’ll be interesting to see if there’s a competition or if Hohl remains in place.