The Tennessee Assistant to Josh Heupel Reaffirms Position on Nebraska Interest While Nico Iamaleava’s Question Is Unanswered
When you’re chasing CFP berth, the chessboard of coaching decisions often turns into a battlefield. For Tennessee Vols head coach Josh Heupel, fresh off a CFP first-round loss, the offseason was supposed to be about recalibrating for another run at the top. But sometimes, when you’re busy making the big moves, you miss the subtle ones. As to Heupel’s dilemma, there’s a ST job opening at Nebraska Cornhuskers. And Matt Rhule, whose job is to recruit players, is in pursuit of the Vols staff.
When competing for a CFP position, the coaching options chessboard sometimes turns into a battlefield. After losing in the CFP first round, Tennessee Vols head coach Josh Heupel had planned to use the offseason to re-adjust for another run at the top. Sometimes, though, you’re too focused on making the big steps to notice the little ones. In response to Heupel’s situation, the Nebraska Cornhuskers are using a ST. Matt Rhule, who is in charge of player recruitment, is also pursuing the Vols staff. There is more than simply casual curiosity in YouTube. “At Tennessee, one of the top special teams coordinators in the country, there has been some movement, some whispering, some rumors about some specific guys.” With Ekeler’s name emerging as a top contender for the open position, Dittman clarified. Heupel’s issues are exacerbated by the fact that he was a former Nebraska linebackers coach during the Bo Pelini (former Nebraska DC) era.
However, is Ekeler truly prepared to leave for Lincoln? Things start to get interesting at that point. Dittman highlighted a revealing conversation between Mike Ekeler and Nebraska reporter Steve Sipple. “Apparently, Steve talked with Mike about a week ago and asked him, ‘Hey, would you be open to taking this job?’ And Mike said yes, he would absolutely be interested in coming back to Nebraska to be the Special Teams coordinator.”
There’s probably more to that sincere interest than nostalgia. For Ekeler, who still has family in Nebraska and played collegiate ball there, the state has special meaning. Fremont, which is about 50 minutes from Lincoln, is where his parents also reside. He has one less anchor keeping him in Knoxville now that his daughter has graduated from the University of Tennessee. When you consider that Ekeler hasn’t been actively seeking new recruits lately, the tea leaves begin to suggest that he is carefully weighing his options.
For Tennessee, the timing couldn’t be more crucial. Josh Heupel may need to move quickly to either find a replacement for Ekeler or get ready for his departure, as his contract is scheduled to expire at the end of January. Matt Rhule, the head coach of Nebraska, isn’t exactly sitting around. The Cornhuskers were described as “aggressive” by the insider, implying that they have the financial wherewithal to outbid Tennessee. “This man is among America’s top special teams coaches. Nebraska can outbid Tennessee for his talents,” Dittman noted.
For Heupel, the stakes are high. Ekeler’s departure wouldn’t just create a vacancy; it would leave a void in a critical phase of the game. Losing him would force Tennessee to find not just a replacement but a coach capable of maintaining—or elevating—a program that’s trying to solidify its place among the league’s elite. The likely scenario? Defensive analyst Levorn Harbin (AKA Coach Chop) stepping into an on-field role, though his focus would likely remain on outside linebackers and edge rushers.
Nebraska could be searching for a familiar face to fill the post of special teams coordinator. What did Husker Online’s Steven Sipple say regarding Ekeler’s stated interest in the position?
Ekeler has previous experience with the Cornhuskers, having worked as an assistant coach from 2008 to 2010. His links to the state and program are extensive, making it understandable why he would want to return. A piece of advice: Heupel should pay attention to his staff, just as he does to his quarterback.
