Nebraska has parted ways with offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen, a decision announced on Saturday after the Cornhuskers suffered a 24-13 defeat on the road against Illinois. The loss marked the fourth consecutive game that the team has lost during its Big Ten conference schedule. The decision comes as the program seeks to revitalize a struggling offensive unit.
Holgorsen, who previously served as the head coach at both Houston and West Virginia, was in his third season overseeing the Huskers' offensive operations. Following his departure, co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Glenn Thomas will take over the playcalling responsibilities. Thomas has been a part of the Nebraska coaching staff since 2024.
Head coach Matt Rhule acknowledged the difficulty of the decision in a public statement. He described the coaching staff and himself as angry, disappointed, and frustrated with the team's recent performance. Rhule noted that the offense has averaged only 13.5 points per game throughout the four-game losing streak. He stated that while he is ultimately responsible for all aspects of the program, the current offensive plan and execution were not yielding the desired results.
The Huskers had started the season with an impressive 5-0 record. However, their momentum stalled with three consecutive losses to ranked opponents in the Big Ten. They fell to No. 7 Indiana, 20-17, Oregon, 17-14, and Washington, 17-10. In each of those games, Nebraska held a lead entering the final quarter but was unable to maintain it. The most recent game against Illinois saw the team generate 426 total yards of offense but manage to score only 13 points.
Rhule initially brought Holgorsen onto the staff to manage the offense for the final four games of the 2024 season. He subsequently offered the former head coach a two-year contract with an annual salary of $1.2 million. Despite the initial promise, the recent results prompted the coaching staff to seek a new direction. Rhule indicated that he will continue to evaluate the program over the remainder of the season and implement further changes where he believes they will contribute to winning.
The team's schedule remains challenging as they prepare to travel to face Rutgers next Saturday. Following that contest, the Huskers will close out their Big Ten play against two ranked opponents: No. 12 Ohio State and No. 19 Iowa. These upcoming matches present significant hurdles for a team looking to end its season on a strong note.
In his statement, Rhule addressed the passionate Nebraska fan base, noting their high expectations and deep support for the players. He expressed hope that fans would continue to back the team during these critical games. Rhule emphasized that the entire program is determined to finish the season with strength and resolve, despite the recent setbacks.
