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.

Although the Vols Football coach Josh Heupel is covering his bases to keep star QB Nico Iamaleava happy. And in Knoxville for the long haul. He might have neglected his staff in the process. The name at the heart of this brewing drama? Mike Ekeler, Tennessee’s special team coordinator and outside linebacker’s coach. According to a young NC insider, Wilson Dittman, on YouTube, there’s more than just casual interest here. “There has been some movement, some murmur, some rumors around some certain guys, currently now with Tennessee one of the best special teams coordinators in America.” Dittman explained, with Ekeler’s name popping up as a prime target for the vacant position. To add to Heupel’s problems, he is a Former Nebraska linebackers coach back in the Bo Pelini (ex-Nebraska DC) era.

But is Ekeler really ready to pack his bags for Lincoln? That’s where things get interesting. 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.”

Now, before Josh Heupel and his staff start panicking, there’s an important caveat: coaches don’t just express interest in other jobs without a motive. The insider speculated two reasons for his interest in Lincoln, “He might be using us as leverage as you don’t publicly say you want to go somewhere else unless you want a Payday … but I think he is genuinely interested.”

That genuine interest likely stems from more than just nostalgia. Nebraska holds sentimental value for Ekeler, who not only played college ball in the region but still has family in the state. His parents also live in Fremont, just 50 minutes from Lincoln. With his daughter now graduated from the University of Tennessee, there’s one less anchor keeping him in Knoxville. Add in the fact that Ekeler hasn’t been active on the recruiting trail recently, and the tea leaves start painting a picture of someone seriously considering his next move.

The timing couldn’t be more critical for Tennessee. Ekeler’s contract is set to expire at the end of January, meaning Josh Heupel may need to act fast to either secure his coordinator or prepare for his departure. Nebraska, under head coach Matt Rhule, isn’t exactly waiting around. The insider called the Cornhuskers “aggressive,” suggesting they have the financial flexibility to outbid Tennessee. “This guy is one of the best special teams coaches in America… 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.

Another Nebraska agent throws cold water on Josh Heupel and Vols

Nebraska could be looking at a familiar face to fill their special teams coordinator role. What did Husker Online’s Steven Sipple say about Ekeler’s expressed interest in the job?

“Mike Ekeler, and I don’t think Mike would mind me saying this—he’s interested…he would do it,” Sipple shared. “Now, that doesn’t mean he’s going to get hired. That doesn’t mean Coach (Matt) Rhule wants to hire him.”

Ekeler is no stranger to the Cornhuskers, having served as an assistant coach at Nebraska from 2008 to 2010. His ties to the state and program run deep, making it easy to see why he’d want to return. A word of advice, Heupel might want to pay attention to his staff as well, just like how he is catering to his QB.