The coaching carousel keeps spinning, and Mike Ekeler appears to be hopping back on.
After just one season at Nebraska, Ekeler is reportedly on the move again-this time likely heading west to USC to take over as the Trojans’ special teams coordinator. If the move goes through, it’ll mark a return to familiar territory for Ekeler, who previously coached at USC back in 2013.
Ekeler’s name still carries weight in Knoxville, where he spent three seasons as Tennessee’s special teams coordinator and outside linebackers coach from 2021 to 2024. He joined Josh Heupel’s original staff and helped build a special teams unit that consistently flipped field position and limited opponents’ return opportunities. With dynamic returners like Velus Jones Jr., Dee Williams, and Boo Carter cycling through the program, Ekeler’s unit was a real asset-often setting the tone in the third phase of the game.
When Ekeler left for Nebraska, Tennessee didn’t look far to fill the void. Evan Crabtree, a former long snapper at Miami (OH) turned graduate assistant, was elevated to special teams coordinator. Crabtree joined the Vols’ staff in 2022 and is set to continue in that role heading into the 2026 season.
Ekeler’s departure also opened up the outside linebackers-or LEOs-position, which was initially filled by Levorn “Chop” Harbin. Harbin, a former high-profile recruit with a growing coaching résumé, was promoted to the role for the 2025 season.
But his time in that position was short-lived. With the arrival of new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, Harbin was let go after just one season and has since landed at Missouri.
Knowles, who brings a proven defensive pedigree, has reshaped the Vols’ defensive staff. Andrew Jackson, previously an assistant defensive line coach at Penn State, is now overseeing the LEOs. Jackson’s move reunites him with Knowles, who also brought over two more familiar faces from his coaching circle: Anthony Poindexter, now serving as co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach, and Michael Hunter Jr., the new cornerbacks coach who worked with Knowles at Ohio State.
Despite the shakeup, Tennessee’s defensive foundation remains partially intact. Rodney Garner continues to lead the defensive line, and William Inge is back coaching linebackers. That continuity should help ease the transition as Knowles implements his system.
As for Ekeler, if the USC move materializes, it’ll be another chapter in a well-traveled coaching career. He’s known for his energy and special teams expertise-and if his past stops are any indication, the Trojans’ special teams could be in for a boost.