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Rhule says Holgorsen will take over as OC and playcaller

Vaseline November 11, 2024

I need an offensive spark, Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule has implemented and announced a huge change Dana Holgorsen effective immediately, the team’s offensive coordinator and play-caller.

Marcus Satterfieldwho held those roles earlier this season will remain on the staff as tight ends coach, also part of his previous role, Rhule said.

Nebraska, which ranks 99th nationally in scoring offense (23.6 ppg), will take on USC on Saturday in Los Angeles. The Huskers, losers of three straight games, enter with a record of 5-4 overall and 2-4 in the Big Ten, while the Trojans are 4-5 and 2-5.

Nebraska hasn’t qualified for a bowl game since 2016. This requires one more win this season.

“I think Holgorsen gives us a new perspective,” Rhule said of the former West Virginia and Houston head coach, who excelled as an offensive coordinator at several stops.

Rhule said he hopes to retain Holgorsen beyond this season.

“I think so many things we’re doing are moving in the right direction, but (the offense) is an area we need to improve,” the coach said.

He added: “This is a great opportunity to have one of the great offensive minds in our program.”

The Weekly Rundown: Can Nebraska turn its fortunes around after bye week No. 2?

Rhule initially brought in Holgorsen for consultation

Holgorsen, a 53-year-old Iowa native, arrived in Lincoln last week for an advisory role on offense, with former Baylor and Temple assistant Phil Snow Helping Rhule’s defense.

Holgorsen quickly became comfortable with the situation, and now he is working to the fullest.

“It’s probably unique,” Rhule said of these types of changes happening with three regular-season games remaining. “It’s the right thing.”

Rhule added: “I called (Holgorsen) last week and had him come in, had him look at everything. He has a long history of offensive success, both as a head coach and especially as a coordinator. I think he gives us a fresh perspective on what we do and who we do it with.”

Rhule describes Holgorsen as a friend and someone he trusts.

“I’m excited to see what he does,” Rhule said.

Rhule also noted the quarterback starting Dylan Raiolawho suffered a back/hip injury against UCLA on Nov. 2, “will try to practice tomorrow. We’ll see where he is.’ Meanwhile junior Hendrik Haarberga starter last season, guides the No. 1 offense in practice.

Rhule has a significant history with Holgorsen

As for Holgorsen, Rhule noted that he had coached against him in the Big 12 while Rhule was at Baylor and Holgorsen was the head coach at West Virginia.

“I saw the evolution of what he did there, in terms of going to a place where it’s cold and playing football and still being explosive,” Rhule said, adding, “We’re represented by the same people (Athletes First), so we see each other in a few places. He is a friend of my wife and I and used to come to Charlotte (when Rhule coached the Carolina Panthers).

“Just someone I respect as a coach.”

The University of Houston fired Holgorsen as head coach in November 2023 after he experienced three losing seasons in his five years at the helm. This season, Holgorsen worked in an analyst/advisory role for TCU before starting to help Rhule.

Rhule said he didn’t necessarily bring Holgorsen to Lincoln with an immediate move to play-caller in mind. However, Rhule noticed the success Nick Saban had at Alabama with play callers like Avenue Kiffin And Bill O’Brienand it’s clear that Rhule wants to keep Holgorsen around for good if it works out.

But let’s be honest, Nebraska’s offense needs immediate help.

“This isn’t about next year,” Rhule said. “This is about now.”

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