Former Georgia inside linebackers and co-special teams coach Mike Ekeler apparently didn’t like the work environment in Athens.
Ekeler, now the defensive coordinator at North Texas, was part of the Bulldogs staff from 2014-2015. But during an interview with the North Texas Daily’s Clay Massey, the coach implied that he really didn’t like some of the other people on the Georgia staff.
“I’ve worked at some of the greatest schools history-wise in the game,” Ekeler said. “But what it boils down to is people. You can be at the University of Georgia and be miserable if you’re working with shitty people. I really enjoy my work environment and the players here (at UNT).”
He went on to talk about how much fun he’s having while he coaches defense for the Mean Green.
However, Ekeler’s quote echoes similar comments he made when he was fired earlier this year. He told DawgNation’s Chip Towers that while he was thankful for the opportunity to work for Mark Richt, he didn’t like many of his fellow coaches on the Bulldogs’ staff.
“I don’t want to be in rooms with people I don’t enjoy and don’t have much in common with,” Ekeler told Towers of why he took the UNT job.
The former Georgia assistant was also upset at the fact that he was fired despite the performance the Bulldogs put together on defense in 2015.
“I’m pretty proud of the new record I set,” Ekeler told Towers. “I’m the only coach in the history of the NCAA to be part of two staffs that get fired after winning 10 games and finishing with a top-10 defense. I’m pretty sure that’s never happened. I’d be willing to bet it hasn’t.”
He went on to say that he “really, really enjoyed the University of Georgia and really (appreciated) the opportunity Mark Richt gave me.” However, the fact that he didn’t know some of the other coaches before he came to Athens didn’t help.
“I knew no one when I came here,” he said. “I’d never met Jeremy Pruitt; I’d never met Tracy Rocker; I’d never met Kevin Sherrer. Coach Richt gave me the opportunity and I’ll forever be grateful for that.”
