Since Penn State fired James Franklin, the rumors have swirled fast and furiously around who might replace him, with Matt Rhule being right at the top of the list for most analysts. Coincidentally, the Nebraska football head coach holds his regular Monday press conference today. Before the chaos of the weekend, all the questions would have been about Friday night's game against Minnesota.
If the first question posed to Rhule isn't about his interest in the Penn State opening, then the local media isn't doing its job. In fact, the Huskers' head coach will likely address the situation in his opening statement, unless he just goes straight to questions.
Matt Rhule expected to face Penn State rumors head-on at Monday's Nebraska football presser
Matt Rhule is an accomplished public speaker. Perhaps the best the Nebraska football team has ever had. He knows what's coming - and what will likely frustrate fans - he knows how to deflect. And what will really frustrate the fanbase is that he'd be crazy not to deflect at this point, even if he has no interest in leaving.
Most NU fans want Rhule to come out and put the Nittany Lions issue to bed. "I'm not taking the Penn State job even if I'm offerd and I'm staying at Nebraska."
That's what everyone wants to hear. It's improbable Rhule will say it.
That's not to say there's zero chance that the Huskers' head coach will turn down Penn State. He's talked plenty about putting down roots in Lincoln. So has his wife. He's talked about not wanting to move his family around anymore. But even if he plans on staying in Nebraska, why wouldn't he parlay being at the top of one of the biggest openings that's come open in years for even better job security and money from his bosses?
Matt Rhule is a smart guy. He knows the reality of the business side of the sport more than most. He started his own podcast this year to capitalize on both his name and his position. And while that podcast helps NU, it helps him get his name out there even more, too.
Rhule also has an agent. If that agent is doing his job, his very first piece of advice was "don't shut the door on this completely, at least not yet, not until we work out a new deal with Nebraska."
Nebraska football fans would love to go back to work after lunch today, content in the knowledge that Matt Rhule has shut down all the rumors just a day after they started. Buckle up, because if anything, those rumors will only get a boost on Monday.