Mike Keith Returns to Rocky Top as the “Voice of the Vols”

Tennessee athletics has a new voice, and it’s one that fans of the Volunteers know well. Mike Keith, the Hall of Fame radio voice and University of Tennessee alumnus, has been named the next “Voice of the Vols,” a position that has been vacated by Bob Kesling, who announced his retirement after the 2024-25 men’s basketball season. Keith’s appointment as the lead play-by-play announcer for Tennessee’s football and men’s basketball games is a full-circle moment for the iconic broadcaster, who spent his formative years as a student at UT before going on to national acclaim with the Tennessee Titans.

A Legendary Career in Broadcasting

Mike Keith’s career spans over three decades, and his deep connection with the state of Tennessee and its sports community is undeniable. He has been a fixture on the Tennessee Titans’ broadcasts since 1999, where he became known for his enthusiastic and engaging play-by-play style. For the last 26 years, Keith served as the “Voice of the Titans,” calling countless memorable moments, including the unforgettable “Music City Miracle” in 2000. His call of the Titans’ last-second touchdown in the playoff game against the Buffalo Bills is still considered one of the best radio calls in sports history and earned him recognition as one of the top local voices in sports broadcasting.

Keith’s extraordinary career has earned him numerous accolades and recognition. He has been named Tennessee’s Sportscaster of the Year a remarkable 12 times and is a member of multiple Halls of Fame, including the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame and the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame. In addition, Keith received the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award for nationwide excellence in reporting in 1997, further cementing his place as one of the most respected voices in sports media.

The Return to Rocky Top

Keith’s return to the University of Tennessee is both a professional and personal milestone. After spending years with the Titans, he is returning to his alma mater to lead the Vol Network’s coverage of Tennessee football and men’s basketball. Keith first began his broadcasting journey at the University of Tennessee in 1986 when he was appointed sports director at WUTK. From there, he quickly became involved with the Vol Network, taking on various roles before being named the “Voice of the Baseball Vols” from 1992 to 1998.

His extensive history with the Vol Network, combined with his professional experience, made Keith the clear choice to succeed Bob Kesling. “When we discussed potential candidates, one name topped our list without question: bringing Mike and his family back to Rocky Top,” said Tennessee Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics, Danny White. “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’s Impact on the Vol Network

Keith will be responsible for calling all of Tennessee’s football and men’s basketball games, bringing his wealth of experience and his passion for the Vols to the airwaves. Beyond the play-by-play duties, Keith will also be involved in various new programming initiatives that will be revealed later in 2025. These initiatives are expected to further enhance the fan experience and bring fresh, innovative content to the Vol Network.

Steve Early, the Vice President and General Manager of Learfield-Vol Network, expressed his excitement about Keith’s appointment. “The Vol Network prides itself on being a broadcast pioneer and industry leader, and Mike’s appointment assures our quality and innovative approach will continue for the next generation of Vol fans,” Early said. “Mike is Vol Network to the core, and both his knowledge and appreciation of our athletics history is invaluable.”

The “Music City Miracle” and Beyond

One of Keith’s most iconic calls was on January 8, 2000, when he described the “Music City Miracle” — the game-winning, last-second touchdown that propelled the Tennessee Titans to a dramatic playoff win over the Buffalo Bills. ESPN later named Keith’s call of the play as one of the “10 Best Radio Calls in American Sports History,” a testament to his ability to capture the emotion and drama of live sports. This call put Keith on the map and is still fondly remembered by Titans and football fans alike.

Keith’s career continued to flourish after this legendary moment. He earned numerous accolades, including a spot on Sports Broadcast Journal’s “Top 100 Local Voices in the First 100 Years of Sports Broadcasting” list in 2021. With over 20 Associated Press awards and a track record of excellence, Keith is regarded as one of the top play-by-play announcers in the industry.

A Legacy of Excellence

Keith’s return to the Vol Network comes after an illustrious career in both local and national broadcasting. As a student at UT, Keith’s deep love for Tennessee athletics began to take shape. In his early days as a broadcaster, Keith worked closely with legendary announcers and learned the ropes of sports media. Keith worked with John Ward, one of the most revered figures in Tennessee sports history, and served as the voice of the Vols’ baseball team from 1992 to 1998.

Keith’s background also includes hosting one of Tennessee’s first daily sports talk shows, a four-hour program that was named Tennessee’s best in five of its first six years in the Associated Press sports talk show category. His versatility and command of the microphone have made him a beloved figure in Tennessee sports.

The Volunteer Spirit

Born in Knoxville and raised in Franklin, Keith’s ties to Tennessee run deep. He and his wife, Michelle, have two children, Abby and Matthew. Both his wife and daughter are UT graduates, continuing the family’s legacy of support for the university. Keith’s grandfather, C.L. McPherson, was also a Tennessee alumnus and lettered in 1932 under legendary coach Robert Neyland, further deepening the Keith family’s connection to Tennessee athletics.

As Keith steps into his new role, he expresses a profound sense of excitement and gratitude. “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. “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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A Bright Future for the Vol Network

Keith’s appointment represents a new chapter for Tennessee athletics and the Vol Network. With a proven track record, unparalleled passion for Tennessee sports, and a deep understanding of what makes Vol Nation unique, Mike Keith is poised to continue the legacy of excellence established by legendary announcers before him. His return to Rocky Top promises to bring an exciting new era of Tennessee athletics to fans, both old and new.

As the “Voice of the Vols,” Keith will no doubt capture the energy, passion, and spirit of Tennessee athletics for years to come.

Disclaimer: The content provided here has been compiled from various online sources for informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the information may not be fully comprehensive or up to date. Readers are advised to verify details from official and reliable sources before relying on it.