The University of Tennessee Vol Network has announced that radio play-by-play announcer Mike Keith is returning to his alma mater to serve as the new voice of Volunteers football and men’s basketball games. Keith moves to the college institution after spending 27 seasons in the radio booth for Tennessee Titans football, and in addition to calling the aforementioned live sports, he will also be involved in several new programming initiatives to be revealed later in the year. The move comes as longtime announcer Bob Kesling prepares to retire following the basketball season after calling Volunteers games for a quarter century.
“When we discussed potential candidates, one name topped our list without question: bringing Mike and his family back to Rocky Top,” Danny White, vice chancellor and director of athletics at the University of Tennessee, said in a statement. “He is a true icon in the broadcasting industry, and we are excited to harness Mike’s exceptional skill set to further elevate both the Vol Network and Tennessee Athletics in bold, innovative ways.”
Keith started his career in Knoxville, Tenn. where he called Volunteers baseball games and also hosted Sportstalk, a local afternoon sports talk show on WIVK/WNOX Radio. Moreover, he also worked in various roles with the Vol Network for 11 years and has won the Tennessee Sportscaster of the Year award 12 times. Keith is a member of five Halls of Fame, has garnered more than 20 awards from the Associated Press and won the Eward R. Murrow Award for nationwide excellence in reporting in 1997. Keith is synonymous for his call of “The Music City Miracle,” referencing a last-second touchdown that resulted in the Titans defeating the Buffalo Bills in a playoff game.
“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,” Keith said in a statement. “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!”
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