Since the moment Penn State fired James Franklin, Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule has been one of the hottest names rumored to replace him. On Monday, during a press conference that was supposed to be about the Huskers' upcoming game against Minnesota, Rhule attempted to tamp down rumors by addressing what he thought about both programs.
There was plenty said by Rhule that can be interpreted any way a listener wants to take it, but some of his comments were straightforward. Penn State because it's his alma mater. He also loves Nebraska because he's worked hard to rebuild the program, and his family loves the state and city of Lincoln.
Matt Rhule’s comments show he’s pushing Nebraska to evolve — or risk losing him
One of the most interesting direct comments Rhule made was after the Nebraska head coach was asked what sort of things could be done to keep him from leaving.
"In a world of like 30, 40-million dollar rosters, which isn't going away, I'd like us to do the same thing. And there's sort of like a 'Hey, that's not really the Nebraska way,' and I'd like it to be. I'd like to invest, I'd like to be at the front of everything."
Rhule has long been someone who doesn't really engage in coach speak. And as someone who now has quite a bit of leverage, he's really not shy about voicing some of the things that have frustrated him while he's attempted to rebuild the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
Just what exactly was shot down with "that's not the Nebraska way" will never be concretely known. However, it's already frustrating that would ever be the rationale for not giving Rhule anything he asked for to try and succeed.
It's one thing for the Nebraska football program to not have a resource the head coach wants. Rhule understands that. It's another when the program can get what's needed and chooses not to because it doesn't jibe with how the Huskers have operated in the past. If that's still happening today, it needs to stop. Not only could they lose Matt Rhule, but it will be hard to find a competent replacement should he leave.