New ST Coach Mike Ekeler

[Man Eating Mastodon]

Good for Ek, he didn't want to be here under Matt, move on

 

[runningblind]

He lost a very good assistant, but not God’s gift to assistant coaches. The sky is not falling. His energy and scheme helped our ST immensely and helped win a few games. His scheme is still in place and a long time co-coached with at Tennessee remains in place. Someone will need to step up with the energy aspect. I completely remember yelling at our kickoff returns in the bowl game. Sometimes, he was too aggressive and got pissed when Rhule over ruled him and demanded a fair catch later in the game

I agree with your sentiment, but not your example. Being extra aggressive on KO returns in a bowl game where you are clearly out classed and getting manhandled is absolutely the right call. I side with Ek over Rhule there. In a close game, you are spot on, but not one where you have to hit big plays to have a chance.

 

[krc1995]

Indiana just won a national championship BECAUSE OF special teams. The blocked punt and two field goals were the difference while Miami missed a field goal. Rhule should not minimize the importance of doing whatever is needed to retain a top Special Teams coach.

What would SF’s record have been if he had a field goal kicker? Even a marginally average one.

 

[Hilltop]

Par for this offseason. We needed a homerun offseason and instead had a mediocre offseason with some decent wins and significant misses. Rhule just lost the best assistant on this staff.

We heard you the last several times you said it.

 

[Decked]

Glad it’s finally over and we can all move on. Tough blow. They can replace his scheme but his attitude is what Rhule has tried to preach but has failed to install. Three guys trying to replace behind the scenes doesn't instill confidence. Batter up.

 

[HuskerNation1]

What would SF’s record have been if he had a field goal kicker? Even a marginally average one.

Agree. Its surprising that some are minimizing the departure of our best assistant and assuming ST by committee will be just as good.

 

[commando]

good god...eks leaving? how are we going to win a game next year? how???

 

[The Dude]

What would SF’s record have been if he had a field goal kicker? Even a marginally average one.

The record would have been about the same. Just like the records the same whether you have Foley or Ekeler as special teams coach.

 

[lo country]

I see both sides. This is what Ek does. 1-2 then pops smoke. And he was the best coach in the team. High energy guy. For me, Rhule had a whole mantra of chasing 3. Well the dude who got us 3 is now gone...

I'd also throw out that yes, he has a rep of leaving, but our LB's have disappointed. Scheme, talent, or Dvoracek? If the rumors are true he wanted to assist with that, he has a solid resume at NU of developing LB's...Dvoracek needs the help as Rhule (assumption on my part) said Aurich will assist with them. as he did at SDSU. I'd prefer him to concentrate on D and not a specific position. And Ekeler could handle it as we have at least 3 dudes who can coach ST w/out missing a beat.

I'm in the disappointed camp and if ST's were so easy why have we struggled since Bo was fired. I mean Frost had extra practices during Covid and got an NCAA investigation to show for it.

IMHO, personality clashes (both) caused this break up.

 

[XtraXtra]

I wish Ek well. Dang, I thought he might hang around here for awhile.

 

[HuskerNation1]

What would SF’s record have been if he had a field goal kicker? Even a marginally average one.

I am hoping we dont lose Archie or other ST players. Did Archie pick Nebraska because of Eckeler?

 

[commando]

I am hoping we dont lose Archie or other ST players. Did Archie pick Nebraska because of Eckeler?

i heard the entire team entered the portal to follow ek. so did some of our new coaches and fans. he even took part of the stadium with him. and there are rumors that the vollyball team might all drop out of school so they can sign with USC.

 

[Dogs In A Pile]

He lost a very good assistant, but not God’s gift to assistant coaches. The sky is not falling.

The sky is always falling for HuskerNation1

 

[Crusader Husker]

good god...eks leaving? how are we going to win a game next year? how???

Maybe we should join an FCS conference? Or just drop FB?

 

[HuskerNation1]

i heard the entire team entered the portal to follow ek. so did some of our new coaches and fans. he even took part of the stadium with him. and there are rumors that the vollyball team might all drop out of school so they can sign with USC.

Whoa did you major in comedy...nice.