Nebraska football could look at Pelini-era familiar face for Ed Foley replacement

Now that the Nebraska football team has reportedly parted ways with special teams coordinator Ed Foley, the search for his replacement is reportedly on. And as it turns out, it looks like a familiar face is in the Huskers’ crosshairs.

The familiar face that quite a few NU fans are dreaming on is Bill Busch. Busch was the defensive coordinator and special teams coordinator under Mickey Joseph and Scott Frost, but many were surprised he wasn’t given a shot when Matt Rhule took over the job.

However, the rumblings are that Busch will get overlooked again and that the Nebraska football team will instead look towards current Tennessee special teams coordinator and outside linebackers coach Mike Ekeler for the job.

Nebraska football looking for familiar face for special teams coordinator

Steve Sipple is among the first members of the Huskers’ media to mention the possibility of Ekeler. The coach is a Nebraska native who already served on the NU staff back in the day during the Bo Pelini era.

Serving as the linebackers coach under Pelini from 2008 to 2010, he’s gone on to build himself quite the career. That career has included the last four seasons at Tennessee but his current contract runs out on January 31 and it’s possible this is where the Huskers could get involved.

Considered one of the best special teams coordinators in the business, it’s clear the Volunteers wouldn’t let Ekeler go without a fight. However, the Nebraska football program has shown it has deep pockets and understands the value of putting together a staff together that can lead players to success.

After the Pinstripe Bowl, head coach Matt Rhule talked about a “complete overhaul” of the special teams unit. Firing Ed Foley was the first step. Hiring one of the best and brightest might be step two. That Mike Ekeler already has ties to the Nebraska football team is a foot in the door, if not a way to bust it wide open.