Nebraska football coach Matt Rhule is a big fan of the benefits of NIL and being fresh off an NFL stint has given him a unique perspective.
The new Nebraska football head coach talked about his perspective on NIL and a few other topics during a Wednesday appearance on the Colin Cowherd show. It’s worth pointing out that he got that appearance when talking about the job he’s already done making the Husker program big time again.
One of the first things that The Herd host asked Rhule was how he navigates the ever-changing waters of Name, Image, and Likeness rights.
"“I think being in the NFL really helped me. You kind of go through this period, there’s a free agency period and I think what I learned is hey let everyone go handle their business. Let them handle their money and when they come back they’re kind of signed up. Getting to college and now with the NIL, I don’t think there’s anything wrong in investing in young people, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with guys having some money to fly their parents to a game … I’m pretty comfortable with it. We just try to deal with it honestly and straightforward and most people, I think they respect that.”"
Nebraska football coach has refreshing view on NIL
Rhule’s comments stand out a bit from some of the other big-time college coaches. Dabo Swiney over at Clemson has made it clear again and again that he’s not a fan of NIL.
Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin, who was once rumored to be a candidate for the Huskers’ head coaching job, absolutely hates the way NIL is set up now. Back in July he called it “legalized cheating.”
Certainly people can all disagree whether NIL is good or bad. It feels like Nebraska football benefits from Rhule’s experience and viewpoint on the subject. Especially since it’s almost certainly not going away.