News Summary
Mike Keith has been named the new ‘Voice of the Vols’ for the University of Tennessee, succeeding recent years with the Tennessee Titans. With strong local ties and an impressive broadcasting legacy, Keith will call plays for football and men’s basketball, celebrating a long-standing family connection to the school. His return promises an exciting new chapter for Tennessee sports fans, who look forward to his expertise and passion in this pivotal role.
Knoxville Welcomes Back a Broadcasting Legend
The Voice of Tennessee is Back!
Exciting news has arrived for fans of the University of Tennessee! Knoxville is buzzing with the announcement that Mike Keith, a celebrated play-by-play radio announcer, has taken on the role of the new “Voice of the Vols”. This comes directly from Tennessee’s Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Danny White, who identified Keith as the top pick for this prestigious position.
Keith’s Impressive Background
For those who may not know, Keith has been a household name in Tennessee sports for years, wrapping up a remarkable 27 seasons with the Tennessee Titans in 2024. During those seasons, he served as “The Voice of the Titans,” delighting fans for 26 of them. His iconic status in the broadcasting arena is well-deserved, and he is sure to bring that same energy and dedication to the Vols.
His new responsibilities will include calling plays for Tennessee’s football and men’s basketball games—two major sports that ignite passion among students and fans alike. Moreover, Keith is gearing up for new programming initiatives that are set to be unveiled later this year, promising even more excitement for Vol fans.
A Family Connection to Tennessee
Born and raised in Knoxville, Keith has strong ties to the University of Tennessee. His entire family shares this connection, with both his wife and daughter being proud alumni. The legacy runs deep: Keith’s grandfather, C.L. McPherson, was a member of the Tennessee football team back in 1932, proudly representing General Neyland during his time.
Keith’s broadcasting journey took off in 1986 when he joined WUTK as the sports director. Shortly after, he became part of the Vol Network alongside the legendary John Ward, paving the way for a career that would see him call various events, including being “The Voice of the Baseball Vols.” He even hosted one of Tennessee’s first daily sports talk shows, which thrived from 1989 to 1998, earning accolades for its innovative approach.
A Legacy of Excellence in Broadcasting
Throughout his illustrious career, Keith has built quite the portfolio, having been named Tennessee’s Sportscaster of the Year a remarkable 12 times. His talents have won him more than 20 Associated Press awards, and he received an Edward R. Murrow Award for excellence in national reporting back in 1997. On top of that, he proudly holds a spot in five different Halls of Fame!
Keith garnered widespread attention for his remarkable call during a thrilling play known as “The Music City Miracle.” This last-second touchdown secured the Titans a playoff victory over the Buffalo Bills and cemented his place in the hearts and minds of sports fans far and wide.
Bittersweet Farewell to the Titans
While this new chapter at the University of Tennessee is exhilarating, it comes with mixed emotions for Keith. After calling a staggering 535 games for the Titans—highlighting incredible comebacks and memorable playoff runs—he has developed meaningful relationships within the organization. Controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk has announced that Keith will be inducted into the Titans’ Ring of Honor, recognizing his indelible impact on the franchise.
Keith’s move back to Knoxville brings a wave of nostalgia as he shifts gears from the NFL to the college scene. Excitement fills the air, and fans are eager to see how he will embrace this new role while honoring his roots and cherished past.
As fans gear up for a new season, they can take comfort in knowing that the Vols are in the capable hands of someone who not only knows the history of Tennessee athletics but also has the enthusiasm and charisma to engage generations of supporters.
So, here’s to new beginnings, and to following Keith as he expertly navigates the thrilling waters of broadcasting Tennessee sports once again!
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Additional Resources
- Tennessee Titans News
- Knox News
- WATE News
- UT Sports
- Music City Miracles
- Wikipedia: Mike Keith
- Google Search: Mike Keith
- Google Scholar: Mike Keith
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mike Keith
- Google News: Mike Keith
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
