Matt Rhule just fired the Nebraska coach fans were begging for

After Nebraska's offense left fans wanting more in the 2024 season, head coach Matt Rhule knew he had to make a change at the offensive coordinator position. Rhule went out and hired former Houston head coach Dana Holgorsen, and that decision paid off well this season, and the Cornhuskers' offense took strides forward.

It seems it is clear that Rhule is choosing the same route for his defense this season as well. After just one season with Nebraska, defensive coordinator John Butler has been fired. This move will certainly make fans happy as they aired all their grievances after the Iowa loss.

Some may say that Rhule is acting too soon, but the defense this season was a big reason Nebraska would struggle at times. When Butler was hired, some fans were skeptical from the beginning, and allowing over 350 yards to an Iowa offense that has had a history of struggling was the last straw when it came to Butler.

Matt Rhule fires defensive coordinator John Butler after just one season

Butler came to Nebraska after former defensive coordinator Tony White left for Florida State in December 2024. The now-former defensive coordinator was given a two-year contract with the Cornhuskers, but is now out after only one year.

While Nebraska's defense has its high moments, especially being elite in the secondary, its run defense really took a tumble this season. In 2024, Nebraska allowed an average of 101.2 rushing yards a game to opposing running backs, as they individually only averaged 3.4 yards per carry.

Under Butler this season, the defense allowed over 170 rushing yards per game and 4.8 yards per carry to opposing offenses, ranking them No. 95 in the country.

This will be the second year in a row that Nebraska will be on the hunt for a defensive coordinator, and if Rhule doesn't bring someone in who can really make a difference, fans could begin to call for his job, just like they did with Butler.