Matt Rhule has fired offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen, one day after a 24-13 loss at Illinois that dropped the Cornhuskers to 5-4 and extended a four-game Big Ten losing streak. The move came after an offense that began the season with explosive production completely regressed. Nebraska opened 5-0 while averaging 43.6 points and more than 475 yards per game. Once conference play intensified, the unit collapsed. Over the next four games, in losses to Indiana, Oregon, Washington, and Illinois, the Huskers scored only 54 points total, averaging 13.5 points per game. They repeatedly moved the ball but failed to finish drives, convert in the red zone, or sustain early leads.
Critics rightfully pointed to rigid, unimaginative play-calling as a central problem. Holgorsen’s offense often abandoned the run in key situations and leaned heavily on the pass even when it was not effective. In the 17-10 loss to Washington, quarterback Anthony Colandrea was asked to throw 44 times; the game ended with three interceptions and little rhythm. Against Illinois, Nebraska outgained the Illini 426-376 yet managed just 13 points, committed multiple penalties, and failed three fourth-down attempts. One widely noted call came on fourth-and-1 inside the Illinois 25 late in the third quarter, when Holgorsen put Colandrea in an empty backfield and called a pass from the pocket that fell incomplete. Rhule later confirmed Holgorsen made the call and was confident in it.
Attempts to spark the unit produced little change. Before the Illinois game, Holgorsen was moved from the sideline to the press box, an adjustment from his usual preference of calling plays from field level. The offense still stalled. Nebraska ranks near the bottom of the Big Ten in scoring in conference games, and the early-season creativity and balance have largely disappeared.
In a statement released Saturday, Rhule said he was “angry,” “disappointed,” and “frustrated” with the results. He acknowledged Holgorsen’s reputation and prior work but stated plainly that “our offensive plan and execution is simply not working” and that a change was required. Co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Glenn Thomas, who has previously called plays under Rhule at Temple and Baylor, will take over play-calling for the rest of the season. Rhule has taken responsibility for the program’s direction and said he will continue evaluating the staff.
