Let's start off by saying that Tennessee athletics was presented with nearly an impossible task in trying to replace Bob Kesling, the legendary Voice of the Vols. Over countless years, Kesling has been on the call for some of the most memorable plays in school history.
He's retiring at the end of the basketball season and to say he's going to be missed would be an understatement. However, leave it to Athletic Director Danny White to make a hire that STILL has people talking and for good reason.
In case you somehow missed it, Mike Keith, previously with the Tennessee Titans, has been hired to be Kesling's replacement. Keith is of course no stranger to the Vols and Knoxville. Shortly after his hire was made official, he posted an unreal Tennessee clip on social media. Anyone else get goosebumps watching/listening to this?
An amazing honor to be in the chair where four legends have worked.
— Mike Keith (@tennvoice) January 9, 2025
Time for the next moments to last a lifetime! pic.twitter.com/D9KaTGbI76
Mike Keith couldn't be happier to be the next Voice of the Vols
As you can see from that clip, Keith has bled orange ever since he was a young boy. And you know what, there's no better time than now for him to make his return to Knoxville to be the main voice for all of the talented athletic programs on campus.
You know that it was going to take something special for Keith to leave Nashville and his job calling plays for the Titans. However, when Tennessee and the Vols come calling, you've got to listen, especially with so much excitement surrounding the university right now.
The football team is coming off its first trip to the College Football Playoff in program history. The men's basketball team started off the year 14-0 and held the No. 1 ranking, though they'll slip a bit following the loss to Florida. The baseball team won the natty, while Kim Caldwell has everyone jacked up about the future of the Lady Vols. Yeah, things are great.
Now, Kesling is going to have his last dance calling the hoops action, and we certainly hope he's able to leave on a high note. Once the campaign ends, though, Keith will take over and people are already looking forward to what he'll get done while watching Josh Heupel and his playmakers go to work. The future sure is bright with Keith on board.