Former Tennessee Assistant Coach Joins USC Coaching Staff

Mike Ekeler to serve as special teams coordinator and linebackers coach for the Trojans

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Former Tennessee assistant coach Mike Ekeler has joined the coaching staff at the University of Southern California. Ekeler will serve as the Trojans' special teams coordinator and linebackers coach after spending the 2025 season as Nebraska's special teams coordinator.

Why it matters

Ekeler's move to USC represents a high-profile coaching change, as he was known for his successful special teams units and outgoing personality during his time at Tennessee. His addition to the Trojans' staff could help bolster their special teams and linebacking corps as they look to compete in the Pac-12.

The details

Ekeler previously spent four seasons as Tennessee's special teams coordinator and outside linebackers coach from 2021 to 2024. During his time with the Volunteers, the team ranked either first or second in the SEC in punt return average, and their cumulative average of 13.9 yards per punt return led the nation. Ekeler is known for his memorable press conference quotes, including references to 'a fart in a skillet' when describing the ideal punt returner.

  • Ekeler joined Tennessee's coaching staff in 2021 as part of Josh Heupel's inaugural staff.
  • Ekeler left Tennessee after the 2024 season to become Nebraska's special teams coordinator in 2025.
  • Ekeler has now been hired as USC's special teams coordinator and linebackers coach for the 2026 season.

The players

Mike Ekeler

A veteran assistant coach with over 20 years of experience at the Power Five level, including stops at Tennessee, Nebraska, and now USC.

Josh Heupel

The head coach at Tennessee, who hired Ekeler as part of his inaugural coaching staff in 2021.

Lincoln Riley

The head coach at USC, who is welcoming Ekeler back to the Trojans' coaching staff.

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What they’re saying

“This is an exciting return to USC for Mike and his family. Mike's special teams and linebacker units are elite, and he brings 23 years of Power Four experience on staffs that have produced some of the nation's finest defenses and special teams. We're thrilled to welcome him back to Los Angeles as part of our program.”

— Lincoln Riley, USC Head Coach (rockytopinsider.com)

“Punt returner? Now you look for a fart in a skillet. A guy who can make you miss. A guy, one cut, get vertical, you know that elusive guy. So it's a little bit different. You've got windows, you've got space, you've got levels.”

— Mike Ekeler (rockytopinsider.com)

What’s next

Ekeler will look to quickly integrate into the USC coaching staff and begin preparing the Trojans' special teams and linebackers units for the upcoming 2026 season.

The takeaway

Ekeler's move to USC represents a high-profile coaching change, as he brings a proven track record of success with special teams units and a unique coaching style that should fit well with the Trojans' program.