Ekeler assumes position at USC

Co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Mike Ekeler has taken a job at USC as its new linebackers coach.

IU Coach Kevin Wilson confirmed the move Friday night, posting a message on Twitter acknowledging the situation.

“Mike Ekeler has accepted a job at Southern Cal,” Wilson said in the series of tweets. “He is an excellent coach and we appreciate the contributions he made to our program. We wish Mike, Barbie and their family continued success at USC.”

“We will take our time to find the best fit for #iufb and Indiana University from what we know will be a strong pool of candidates.”

Ekeler has been with the IU program since 2011, splitting defensive coordinator duties with safeties coach Doug Mallory.

He was also one of the first assistants hired when Wilson took over the program, after being the linebackers coach at Nebraska since 2008.

Ekeler is the second assistant coach to leave the IU football program this offseason.

On Jan. 23, defensive tackles coach, recruiting coordinator and special teams coordinator Mark Hagen left for the linebackers coach position at Texas A&M.

The Hoosiers have not announced a timeline to choose a replacement. It is also uncertain if Mallory will now assume full defensive coordinator duties.

- Jordan Littman