New Vols Assistant Ekeler Says Tennessee is His 'Dream Job'

"Mike is one of the most engaging and charismatic leaders I know," Tennessee Vols Head Coach Josh Heupel said about Mike Ekeler. "The energy he will bring to our football team, in addition to his track record of guiding successful special teams and defensive units will enhance our program. We are excited to welcome Coach Ekeler and his family to our Tennessee football family and look forward to watching him make a difference in the lives of our student-athletes."

Ekeler is widely known for his high-energy approach to the game, but according to a recent social media from him, he has a reason to bring a little extra juice to Tennessee.

From 2005-2006 Ekeler was a graduate assistant with LSU. He made his first trip to Neyland Stadium during that time, and it is a memory he has yet to forget.

"2005 was the 1st time I coached in Neyland Stadium. It’s the best atmosphere In the country," Ekeler wrote on Twitter. "Since that night- my “dream job” has been to coach @Vol_Football, live on the river and drive my boat to work."

Ekeler's approach to the game is already unique, as he emphasizes player development in a world that has widely turned towards recruiting elite players.

"People talk about hiring great recruiters; I think that's an absolute joke. If you're labeled that, 99 percent of the time that means you can't coach a lick. That's a fact," Ekeler told DawgNation during an exit interview. "There are very few exceptions. Ed Orgeron is a fantastic recruiter and he's probably the best defensive line coach of them all. The guy is big-time. It's great to recruit 5-stars, but then they come in and play like 2-stars. It's too bad that's how this profession is, but that's part of the deal now."

Ekeler signed a two-year deal with Tennessee and will have a base salary of $350,000 over the course of the contract, which runs through the end of January 2023.

Did you know VR2 on SI does Podcasts? Check out the staff's latest breakdowns here.

VR2 on SI is also on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Check out any of the links to ensure you do not miss any of the coverage of your favorite Tennessee teams!

You can follow the staff, Matt, Brandon, and Dale on Twitter by clicking any of their names.

Want the latest on national football and basketball recruiting, including Vols targets? Head over to SI All-American for the latest news, blogs, and updates about the nation's best prospects.

Sports Illustrated also offers insight, information and up to the minute details for gamblers. Check it out here.