A major move.
What many have dreamt of for years is now becoming a reality — Mike Keith will be the new Voice of the Vols. The legendary voice of the Tennessee Titans will return to Knoxville to take over for Bob Kesling, who is retiring after this basketball season.
Kesling called his last football game in Columbus as Tennessee lost to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff. The next Tennessee game, in Atlanta against Syracuse, will be called by Keith.
— Mike Keith (@tennvoice) January 9, 2025
Yes — Keith will also call men’s basketball games as well.
Keith is a Tennessee and Vol Network alum. He worked under John Ward throughout the 1990s, doubling as a radio talk show host. Keith also worked with the Tennessee baseball team. In 1997, he would make the move to Nashville to join the then Tennessee Oilers media team. A color analyst in 1998, Keith became the play-by-play man in 1999. He experienced near instant success, calling the ‘Music City Miracle’ — one of the most iconic plays in NFL history.
“While it is very hard to say goodbye to the Tennessee Titans, it is not hard to say “yes” to a return to the University of Tennessee and the Vol Network,” said Keith in the official release. “Alicia Longworth laid out a very exciting plan for how I can assist the talented VFL Films content team. Steve Early has continued to make me feel a part of the Vol Network family since I left Knoxville in 1998—it was like I never left.
“Everyone associated in this process has been very professional, very impressive and very kind. This continued a theme from a series of experiences that I have had over the last five years when dealing with anyone—athletics, University and Campus leadership, staff, faculty, students, etc.—-from the University of Tennessee. Everyone is just top-notch, and I mean EVERYONE. I am excited to join this entire team in hopes that I can add a solid contribution. It is great to be a Tennessee Volunteer, especially in 2025!”
His iconic phrases will leave a lasting impact on Nashville. From TOUCHOWWWWWNNNNNN TITANS to SAAAAAACCCCKKKKK, Keith has one of the most recognizable and energetic voices in the business. Nothing against Kesling, but this will be a welcomed shot of energy to both the Tennessee football and basketball booth.
It will be very interesting to see what Keith brings back with him to Knoxville. Will we hear similar coined phrases? Or will he try to bring some new flair to the college ranks?