Kenny Larabee, NRG Media
On Monday, Matt Rhule called Dana Holgorsen “one of the best offensive minds of his generation”. On Saturday, Rhule fired Holgorsen as Nebraska’s offensive coordinator. The move was announced by a news release from the NU athletic department Saturday, after the Cornhuskers’ 24-13 loss at Illinois, the fourth in a row for Nebraska. In the four games, the Huskers scored a combined 54 points, an average of 13.5 per game.
“Like so many of you, I am angry, I am disappointed and I am frustrated with our results this season,” Rhule said in the news release. “As the head coach, I am ultimately responsible for every aspect of our program—including wins and losses—and it is my responsibility to make changes when they are warranted. While there are many areas that need improvement, our offensive plan and execution is simply not working. Earlier today, I relieved offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen of his duties. As I have recently shared, Dana has a fantastic offensive mind, he is a strong leader, and he has done great work here at Nebraska. But simply, we need a change. Co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Glenn Thomas will take over play-calling duties.”
In trying to spark the offense, Holgorsen was moved from the field to the press box to call play despite Holgorsen having generally worked from field level as a play-caller throughout his career. The move was ineffective, as the Huskers tallied just 13 points despite outgaining the Fighting Illini, 426-376.
The acting offensive coordinator, Thomas worked with Rhule at both Temple and Baylor. Thomas was a playcaller at Arizona State in 2022 and has also called plays at Baylor and Arizona State.
Holgorsen took over as offensive coordinator for the final four games of the 2024 season, replacing Marcus Satterfield, who has remained on the staff as tight ends coach ever since. Nebraska has had nine different coordinators in Rhule’s nearly-four seasons as head coach. Entering this season, the Huskers were settling in new defensive (Rob Aurich) and special teams (Nick Humphrey and Brett Maher) coordinators. The defense and special teams have both had three coordinators in three years.
Nebraska needs a win to secure bowl eligibility, and its best chance to grab that win is Nov. 14 at Rutgers, its next game. Pregame coverage begins at 7:30 a.m., with kickoff slated for 11:30 a.m. on KLIN and Froggy 98.