Matt Rhule fires Nebraska offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen after Illinois loss

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule has made a major call after a run of defeats in college football. Shortly after the Cornhuskers lost 24-13 to Illinois on Friday, he removed Dana Holgorsen from his role as offensive coordinator.

Just five days earlier, Rhule had called Holgorsen one of the best offensive minds of his generation. The decision to remove him five days after that praise has caused a stir across college football.

Co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Glenn Thomas will now take over play-calling duties. The Huskers have scored just 54 points while dropping four straight games.

In a statement, Rhule said he was angry, disappointed and frustrated with the results this season. As head coach, he said, he is ultimately responsible for every aspect of the program, including wins and losses, and it is his responsibility to make changes when they are warranted.

Rhule added that while many areas need improvement, the offensive plan and execution simply were not working. He said he had relieved Holgorsen of his duties, while praising his fantastic offensive mind, strong leadership and great work at Nebraska, but insisting the team needed a change.

Holgorsen had been widely criticised for abandoning the running game. In the 17-10 loss to Washington, he had quarterback Anthony Colandrea attempt 44 passes.

Against Illinois, the Huskers were again plagued by penalties, missed field goals and questionable play-calling. Nebraska scored on just two of its nine possessions against the Illini.

The numbers over the last four games are even starker: the Huskers have scored on nine of 46 possessions. That sustained failure on offense ultimately forced the coaching change.

Rhule said he would continue to evaluate the program through the season and at its conclusion, and make additional changes where he believed they would help the team win.

He said the Nebraska fan base has high expectations and he embraces them. He also spoke of the fans’ passionate support for the young men in the program and said he hopes they will continue to stand by the players with very important games still ahead.

Holgorsen was in his second full season as Nebraska’s offensive coordinator. He left his role as an offensive consultant at TCU in November 2024 to join the Cornhuskers in the same capacity, and was promoted to offensive coordinator a week later after Rhule moved Marcus Satterfield to another role.

Nebraska travels to New Jersey next week for a matchup with Rutgers. Rhule said the entire program is determined to finish the season strong under new play-caller Glenn Thomas.