The biggest question of the postseason is who Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule will tap to replace defensive coordinator John Butler. However, questions branching out from the Butler firing include who else might go on the defensive side of the ball. During his signing day press conference, Rhule addressed how much control the new DC will have in staffing while naming Addison Williams as the only guy who seemingly has a get out of jail free card.
While speaking to the media about the 10 new players that joined the roster on Wednesday, Rhule also talked about what the coaching staff will look like in 2026. When answering a question as to how much control the DC will have over hiring his staff, the Huskers' head coach defined it as "a lot."
He then listed one caveat: "Addison (Williams) is clearly someone who will be here."
Rhule makes it clear: the new Nebraska defensive coordinator will choose his staff
Nebraska's defensive backs coach arrived last winter after John Butler was promoted from the same position to defensive coordinator. Some believe Williams is a candidate for Butler's old job, but Rhule's comments also rule that out.
Butler was promoted from within when Tony White departed for Florida State. With Butler now being shown the door, Rhule seemed to hint he'll look outside the program for the next guy.
The biggest question to draw from the Nebraska head coach's comments on Wednesday is, does Williams end up being the only defensive assistant to avoid the chopping block? Rhule might suggest keeping others, but the new defensive coordinator should have final say.