Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
Sep 13, 2025; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers assistant coach Dana Holgorsen watches during warmups before the game against the Houston Christian Huskies at Memorial Stadium.
When Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule brought in Dana Holgorsen midway through the 2024 college football season, it was meant to revive what was a stale Cornhuskers offense.
Two years later, Holgorsen is already out of a job after Nebraska and Rhule’s latest failure, a 21-13 loss to Illinois that marked the Huskers’ fourth consecutive loss following a 5-0 start.
“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 are simply not working. Earlier today, I relieved offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen of his duties.”
Nebraska has fired offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen.
Statement from coach Matt Rhule:
“Like so many of you, I am angry, I am disappointed and I am frustrated with our results this season. 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.
“I will continue to evaluate our program through the season and certainly at its conclusion and make additional changes where I believe they will help us win.
“The Nebraska fan base has high expectations and I embrace them, and I also know of their passionate support of the young men in our program. I hope they will continue to be there for our players with very important games still ahead. Our entire program is determined to finish this season strong.”— Mitch Sherman (@mitchsherman) November 7, 2026
Make no mistake, Holgorsen’s offense was struggling mightily. The Cornhuskers are averaging just 13.5 points per game across their last four games after scoring 43.6 points per game across their five victories to start the year.
But Rhule is also among the 10 highest-paid coaches in the country despite not winning more than seven games in any of his first three seasons in Lincoln.
Understandably, there are many Huskers fans who believe that the wrong person took the fall for the team’s struggles.
The media should be asking Rhule why he was calling Dana one of the greatest offensive minds a week ago and firing him the next. Doesn’t instill a lot of confidence.
— John Gage (@johnrobertgage) November 7, 2026
Rhule should walk out the door with him
— Husker Daily (@GBR_Daily) November 7, 2026
Continuing to go down this road has got to be worse than Rhules buyout right???
When will it end…
— Riley (@rschmohr) November 7, 2026
Rhule’s new contract likely means that he has plenty of job security for the time being. But you have to wonder when that begins to change.