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sports9h ago
Report: USC football likely to hire Mike Ekeler as special teams coordinator
- USC is poised to hire Mike Ekeler as its new special teams coordinator, per CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz.
- Ekeler is viewed as a veteran coach who previously served as Nebraska's special teams coordinator.
- He has NCAA experience at Tennessee and USC, where he coached previously in different roles.
- Dougherty is expected to stay on as an analyst/assistant special teams coach next season.
- Under Ekeler, Nebraska fared well on kick and punt coverage and return defense.
- Tennessee teams under Ekeler achieved high punt return averages, including 15.7 ypr in 2024.
- The move would place Ekeler as a full-time USC assistant coach, potentially overhauling the staff.
- Makai Lemon is expected to depart for the NFL in 2026, affecting return units.
- USC aims to strengthen its special teams with a veteran coordinator amid roster changes.
- The report frames the development as part of USC's ongoing staff evaluation and improvement.
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