​Nebraska football coach Matt Rhule has acknowledged that his performance during last season did not meet his own expectations. In a candid conversation with Adam Breneman, Rhule discussed the ongoing challenge of balancing a hands-on approach with the need to delegate and empower his staff. Speaking in his third year with the program, Rhule reflected on how the anticipated leap in results failed to materialize, with the Huskers finishing the 2025 campaign at 7-5. As the program moves into 2026, Nebraska faces a period of transition, including a new starting quarterback after Dylan Raiola transferred to Oregon, and one of the Big Ten’s most demanding schedules, featuring matchups against Indiana, Oregon, and Ohio State.
Rhule opened up about his own accountability on Next Up with Adam Breneman, acknowledging, “I did a bad job last year. I was too hands-off at times, and other times I was too hands-on. I didn’t do a good job, and I did a lot of self-reflecting. What are my strengths? I think you always hire for your weaknesses.” This self-analysis underscores his intent to recalibrate his leadership style to better support the team and coaching staff.
Following the 2025 regular season, Nebraska underwent notable staff changes aimed at strengthening the program. Geep Wade has taken over as the offensive line coach, while Rob Aurich has stepped in as the defensive coordinator, replacing John Butler. The Huskers also added Roy Manning as edge rushers coach and Lonnie Teasley as run game coordinator. In announcing these moves, Rhule indicated he took time to sit down with the entire staff to lay out his vision for the upcoming season. His goal, he explained, is to be clear about expectations and strategies so that the assistants can translate them into effective tactics on the field. He described a process in which, after the staff was settled, he walked the group through what matters most, outlining the overarching strategy and leaving the day-to-day tactical details to the assistants to implement within that framework.
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Nebraska will begin at home, hosting Ohio on Saturday, September 5, at 11:00 a.m. on FS1. The schedule sets the stage for a season that tests the Huskers’ resolve and adaptability, with a roster overhaul at quarterback and a revamped coaching staff designed to create a more cohesive and effective approach to game preparation and execution.
Rhule’s reflections and reforms signal a commitment to organizational improvement and a more intentional leadership model. By clarifying expectations and aligning staff roles with a shared strategic plan, he hopes to cultivate a more consistent product on the field. The season’s opening clash against Ohio will offer an early gauge of whether the changes in philosophy and personnel translate into the anticipated upward trajectory for Nebraska football. As fans and analysts follow the program through the summer and into September, the emphasis will be on how well Nebraska can leverage its revamped staff structure and new quarterback dynamics to compete at a high level in one of college football’s most challenging conferences. For ongoing coverage of Nebraska news, notes, and perspectives, follow Cornhuskers Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like the page on Facebook. This article originally appeared on Cornhuskers Wire and has been updated to reflect Rhule’s remarks about rebuilding his staff for 2026.