In September when the Huskers were 5-0, no one was talking about the next offensive coordinator. In fact, some were discussing if Holgerson's contract would be extended or not (ended either way at the end of this season). Things change fast.

Matt Rhule laid it out Monday. “I want an offense that is physical, that can run the football, that can control the line of scrimmage, that doesn’t beat itself with turnovers and penalties and missed assignments, that’s detailed and disciplined. That’s exciting and explosive and that’s elite situationally.” He also made it clear Nebraska needs the ability to score points.

Here are three realistic names that check those boxes and that Nebraska could actually go after, although expect them to be hot across multiple openings in power four teams:

Rob Ezell, Wake Forest
Ezell has Wake Forest scoring in the mid-40s per game this season with a balanced attack that generates explosive plays. He has Alabama roots, has worked under high-level systems, and his current offense ranks near the top of the country in points and yards. He’s not a pure “run the damn ball” guy, but he produces the explosiveness Rhule is demanding and has shown he can scheme around a mobile quarterback. If Rhule wants points first, Ezell is the most proven option on this list.

Nate Potter, Boise State
Potter is the former All-American offensive tackle who moved into the run-game coordinator role before taking over as full-time OC. Boise State has ranked near the top of the country in rushing and total offense under his involvement. He knows how to lean on the ground game, use tight ends, and still create big plays. He’s young, rising, and fits the “physical + explosive” profile Rhule described. This is the closest thing to a Rob Aurich-type hire on the offensive side of the ball.

Mike Bloesch, North Texas
Bloesch is currently the run-game coordinator at North Texas and has previous FBS offensive coordinator experience. His background is heavy on the offensive line and establishing the run. If Rhule is serious about controlling the line of scrimmage and becoming a physical Big Ten team, Bloesch is a practical, attainable target who has already done the dirty work of building a run game from the ground up.