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Matt Rhule clears the air on his relationship with Mike Ekeler after viral clip

On3 imageby: Dan Morrison10/28/25dan_morrison96

The Nebraska Cornhuskers got a tight win over Northwestern over the weekend. That win came in no small part because of a Kenneth Williams kickoff return for a touchdown, which was arguably the difference in the game. It was also a credit to head coach Matt Rhule and first-year special teams coordinator Mike Ekeler for the work they’ve done there.

That’s what made it interesting to so many people when video came out of Ekeler going crazy on the sideline and celebrating. That is, until he got to Matt Rhule, who seemed to push him away. In turn, fans began to wonder how their relationship stands.

Matt Rhule is aware of the clip. So, on Monday, he addressed special teams with the media. In particular, he praised Mike Ekeler for the job he’s done.

“I love the special teams, not just the production,” Matt Rhule said. “But I love the way that Mike has done a great job of getting everyone — like, those guys know they’re going to affect the game. They’re not just playing special teams. As a result, they’re developing. They’re getting ready to go play on defense and offense and I think that’s the way good teams work.”

As far as the viral aspect of the clip, Rhule explained that it’s not a personal issue. Ekeler just gets a little too excited and it can be overwhelming at times.

“I had a bunch of people send me the clip. There was a clip I guess on social media,” Rhule said. “I guess, of him walking up to me and me being like [gestures to push away] like this. People were like, ‘Are you and him okay?’ I’m like, ‘He punched me in the one game. He tackled me in the other game. I said, don’t touch me again.’ So, I love that but arm’s length. There’s no problem there for anybody that’s worried. He’s my boy, but stay over here.”

Matt Rhule added that there was a point this season when Ekeler almost got flagged for his reactions. So, perhaps getting told to calm down by the head coach isn’t the worst thing that can happen.

This season, Ekeler has done wonders with Nebraska’s special teams. For instance, Nebraska is currently 38th in field goals, making 84.6 percent of kicks, compared to 102nd a season ago, making 68.4 percent of kicks. The Cornhuskers are also third in kickoff returns, averaging 31.57 yards per return. Just a season ago, Nebraska was 100th and averaged 18.57 yards per return.

Rhule and Ekeler want to keep that success going into the bad weather month of November now. That stretch begins next Saturday on November 1st against USC at home.