Matt Rhule, the head coach of Nebraska’s football program, has always been known for his meticulous decision-making and careful assessment of the people he brings into his coaching staff. However, one of his early hesitations in assembling his team came with the decision to hire Mike Ekeler as the Cornhuskers’ special teams coach. Ekeler, an experienced coach with a robust resume, had many qualities that fit the role. Yet, Rhule’s initial reluctance to offer him the position sparked a bit of controversy and speculation, leading to discussions on what truly shaped Rhule’s final choice.
At the outset of Rhule’s tenure at Nebraska, it was clear that he was intent on reshaping a program that had been in a state of flux for years. Nebraska’s football program had struggled with consistency, and special teams were no exception. There was a clear need for change, but Rhule was cautious about whom he brought in to fill the critical special teams role. Mike Ekeler had a successful background in coaching, particularly in special teams, with stops at places like Louisiana-Lafayette and North Texas, where he was known for creating aggressive, energetic units. However, Ekeler’s past was not without some baggage, and this led to Rhule’s early reservations.
Rhule, known for his commitment to building a cohesive culture and unity within his coaching staff, likely worried about Ekeler’s brash style. Ekeler had been known for his high-energy, sometimes unconventional coaching tactics, which might not mesh well with the more disciplined, methodical style Rhule had established at his previous stops. Some doubted that Ekeler’s unrelenting approach, which often featured fiery motivational speeches and high-intensity drills, would gel with Rhule’s emphasis on balance and building relationships.
Another contributing factor to Rhule’s hesitation likely stemmed from Ekeler’s history of bouncing around from job to job. Though his track record was solid, the constant changes in his career may have caused Rhule to wonder about his long-term stability and fit within the program. Ekeler had a reputation for being a bit of a wild card—passionate, yes, but sometimes unpredictable in terms of his future decisions. Rhule, who was looking to establish a foundation at Nebraska that would sustain success for years to come, needed someone whose approach wouldn’t be prone to drastic changes every few seasons.
However, Rhule’s hesitation wasn’t purely based on Ekeler’s coaching style or career history. Rhule, in his deep evaluation of the program, may have realized that Nebraska’s special teams needed someone who could bring the type of energy and enthusiasm that had been missing for years. While Nebraska had long been known for its great defenses and dynamic offenses, its special teams had been lackluster. Ekeler’s ability to inject intensity into his players and create special teams units that made an impact on both sides of the ball was something Rhule could not ignore. His past successes at other programs made it clear that Ekeler had the potential to elevate Nebraska’s special teams into a feared unit.
Ultimately, Rhule’s decision to bring Ekeler onto his coaching staff was not one made lightly. It was a choice to take a risk—understanding the possible turbulence but also recognizing the need for change. After much deliberation, Rhule likely realized that Ekeler’s high-energy style and ability to spark a fire in his players were precisely what Nebraska’s special teams needed. Though the move initially raised eyebrows and led to some skepticism, it proved that Rhule was willing to embrace what others might see as a risky, unorthodox approach in order to create the program he envisioned.
In the end, Rhule’s eventual trust in Ekeler as the special teams coach reflected his broader philosophy of building a staff of diverse personalities and styles—understanding that success often comes from unexpected sources. The decision was controversial because it challenged conventional thinking, but as Nebraska’s special teams grew stronger under Ekeler’s leadership, it became clear that Rhule’s decision was the right one for the future of the program. The move, born out of initial hesitation, ultimately proved that sometimes risk-taking is necessary to build something truly great.
