Mike Keith Returns to Rocky Top as the Voice of the Vols
In a highly anticipated and exciting announcement, Mike Keith, the legendary Hall of Fame radio announcer, is returning to the University of Tennessee as the new “Voice of the Vols.” This news was officially revealed by Tennessee Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Danny White on Thursday, marking the start of a new era for Tennessee Athletics’ broadcast presence.
Keith, who has spent the past 27 seasons with the Tennessee Titans, including 26 as the “Voice of the Titans,” will now take on a prominent role as the lead play-by-play announcer for both Tennessee football and men’s basketball games. Additionally, Keith will contribute to a variety of new programming initiatives, ensuring that the Vol Network remains a leader in fan engagement and broadcasting innovation.
A Return to Rocky Top
Mike Keith’s return to Tennessee is more than just a career move—it is a homecoming. Keith’s connection to the University of Tennessee runs deep, and his legacy in Knoxville is one of incredible influence and undeniable talent. Keith’s excitement about returning to Rocky Top is palpable, and he expressed his gratitude for the opportunity.
“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 his statement. His enthusiasm for coming back to Knoxville and working alongside the talented Vol Network team is evident as he outlines the exciting future ahead. Keith is especially looking forward to contributing to the Vol Films content team and furthering the development of new programming initiatives for the Vol Network, which promises to engage and excite Tennessee’s loyal fanbase.
His remarks underscore the significance of this move, not just for Keith’s career but for the future of Tennessee Athletics and the Vol Network. “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. Everyone is just top-notch,” 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!”
A Storied Career in Broadcasting
Mike Keith’s career in sports broadcasting is nothing short of extraordinary. Over the years, he has established himself as one of the most respected and accomplished voices in the industry. His work with the Tennessee Titans, including the iconic call of the “Music City Miracle” in 2000, earned him recognition and accolades that would cement his place in the annals of sports history. Keith’s legendary description of that game-winning play, which resulted in a Titans playoff victory over the Buffalo Bills, is often cited as one of the greatest radio calls in American sports history. In fact, ESPN ranked it among the “10 Best Radio Calls in American Sports History.”
Keith’s contributions to the world of sports broadcasting have not gone unnoticed. In 2021, Sports Broadcast Journal named Keith one of the “Top 100 Local Voices in the First 100 Years of Sports Broadcasting,” a testament to his skill, longevity, and impact on the industry. Additionally, Keith has earned multiple accolades throughout his career, including Tennessee’s Sportscaster of the Year 12 times and more than 20 Associated Press awards. His reporting has also garnered prestigious recognition, including a 1997 Edward R. Murrow Award for nationwide excellence in reporting.
Keith’s commitment to excellence has led to his induction into five different Halls of Fame, including the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame, TSSAA Hall of Fame, BGA Hall of Fame, and the University of Tennessee Baseball Hall of Fame. These honors reflect the breadth and depth of his contributions to the sports broadcasting field and his unwavering dedication to his craft.
Mike Keith’s Vol Network Legacy
Keith’s relationship with the University of Tennessee dates back to his college years, when he began working with the Vol Network in 1987. At the age of just 19, he was hired by the legendary John Ward to work with the Vol Network, and he quickly became an integral part of Tennessee sports media. From 1992 to 1998, Keith served as the “Voice of the Baseball Vols,” further cementing his role in Tennessee Athletics history.
Keith also played a pivotal role in the development of sports talk radio in Knoxville. Between 1989 and 1998, he hosted one of Tennessee’s first daily sports talk shows for WIVK/WNOX Radio. His four-hour show was named Tennessee’s best in five of the first six years that the Associated Press presented awards in the sports talk show category during the 1990s. His work in this area helped shape the landscape of sports media in the state of Tennessee, and it made him a household name among Vols fans.
Throughout his career, Keith’s deep love and appreciation for the University of Tennessee have been evident. He has always been committed to sharing the stories of Tennessee’s athletes and programs with the world, and his ability to bring those stories to life for listeners has made him a beloved figure in the Vol Nation.
A Tennessee Icon
Beyond his professional achievements, Mike Keith is also deeply rooted in the fabric of Tennessee. Born in Knoxville and raised in Franklin, Keith has long been a part of the Volunteer community. He and his wife, Michelle, have two children, Abby and Matthew. Michelle and Abby are both graduates of the University of Tennessee, and Keith’s grandfather, C.L. McPherson, was a key player for the legendary General Neyland and lettered in 1932 for the Vols.
Keith’s return to Tennessee represents the continuation of a legacy—a legacy that began long before he became a broadcasting icon and will now flourish under his renewed commitment to the Vol Network. His passion for Tennessee athletics and his understanding of the unique energy surrounding the Vols make him the perfect fit for this important role.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As Tennessee heads into the 2025 football season, Keith’s return as the “Voice of the Vols” signals an exciting new chapter for Tennessee Athletics. Fans can look forward to hearing his signature calls once again as he leads the charge in broadcasting football and men’s basketball games. Keith’s expertise, enthusiasm, and long-standing relationship with the University of Tennessee make him the ideal person to help elevate the Vol Network to even greater heights.
In his return to Knoxville, Mike Keith not only brings a wealth of experience and recognition but also a deep sense of pride and connection to Tennessee’s storied athletic programs. As the 2025 season approaches, fans of the Vols can look forward to an unforgettable experience as Keith once again takes his place as the Voice of the Vols, sharing the excitement of Tennessee sports with fans across the country.
For Keith, this return to Rocky Top is the culmination of a lifelong passion. “It is great to be a Tennessee Volunteer, especially in 2025,” he said—and for the thousands of Vols fans who will hear his voice once again, it’s even greater to have him back.
