Nebraska football's collapse forces Matt Rhule’s hand with major firing
Craig Meyer, USA TODAY NETWORKSat, November 7, 2026 at 6:29 PM UTC
As a once-promising season continues to spiral downward, Nebraska football has made a move.
One day after falling to Illinois, 24-13, the Cornhuskers have fired offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen, with coach Matt Rhule confirming the decision Saturday, Nov. 7.
Co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Glenn Thomas will take over play-calling duties.
More: Nebraska was 5-0. Four losses later, the heat is on Matt Rhule
“Like so many of you, I am angry, I am disappointed and I am frustrated with our results this season," Rhule said in a statement. "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."
After a 5-0 start, Nebraska has dropped four consecutive games, with three of those losses decided by one score. In those losses, the Huskers have averaged just 13.5 points per game and have failed to score more than 17 points. That offensive impotency has negated some excellent play from a defense that has allowed only 19.5 points per game during that stretch.
Holgorsen, the former West Virginia and Houston head coach, had been Nebraska's offensive coordinator since Nov. 2024. Last season, the Huskers were tied for 59th among 136 FBS teams in scoring offense, at 28.7 points per game. This year, they've only marginally improved, averaging 30.2 points per game.
"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," Rhule said in a statement. "But simply, we need a change."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Nebraska football's collapse forces Matt Rhule’s hand with major firing
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