Tennessee fans are welcoming home a voice they’ve heard many times before. “The One and Only” Mike Keith is returning to his hometown and the South as the head play-by-play announcer for the Tennessee Titans. By becoming the Voice of the Vols, he will now become the voice of the university as well. He will begin working for Tennessee on the Vol Network in the fall of 2025, broadcasting Vols football and men’s basketball.
The announcement, made Thursday morning, confirms Keith as the successor to Bob Kesling, who is retiring at the end of the current basketball season. In addition to play-by-play, Keith will also be involved in exciting new projects to enhance the fan experience, according to a Tennessee release.
An Epic Return to Rocky Top
To many, Mike Keith needs no introduction. Known for his iconic service with the Titans, his career highlights include the unforgettable “Music City Miracle” in 2000. Over 26 seasons, he became one of the most celebrated voices in the NFL.
Born in Knoxville and raised in Franklin, Keith’s ties to Tennessee run deep. A graduate of the University of Tennessee, he began his career at the Vol Network under the legendary John Ward. From 1987 to 1998, he held a variety of roles, including calling Tennessee baseball games and hosting a popular sports talk show.
It was the tough to say good bye to the titans, but it was an easy decision to return the university of tennessee and the vol network keith said in a the statement.
A Vision for the Future
Tennessee Athletic Director Danny White expressed his excitement over Keith’s return, emphasizing his unparalleled broadcasting expertise.
When we looked at the potential applicants there was one name that stood out above all others and that was to bring mike and his family back to Rocky Top . White revealed. He is an absolute legend in the television world, and we are looking to see if we can use him in the best way that the Vol Network and Tennessee Athletics in an innovative and exciting way. Let’s see.
Learfield volleyball network vice/GM Steve Early also shared Whites excitement, pointing to Keith’s strong connection to the history of the volleyball network. The volleyball network has a rich history of being at the forefront of broadcasting and mike’s appointment reaffirms our commitment to continuing to provide Volleyball fans with high-quality programming and innovation early said.
A New Era for the Volleyball Network
Keiths return also marks the end of an era that began when Bob Kessling and the voice of the volleys for nearly 23 years, retired. kessling, who took over for John Ward in 1999, has become a beloved figure in Tennessee sports broadcasting. He announced last month that his final football game was during the team’s College Football Playoff loss to Ohio State, and plans to finish out the basketball season before stepping down.
