Since Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule fired John Butler earlier this week, things have been relatively quiet. However, the situation got quite a bit louder on Friday night with reports that Toledo defensive coordinator Vence Kehres is in town to interview for the job.
On3's Steve Sipple was the first to announce the reported interview with Kehres, who has been right at the top of the list of most sought-after DC by Husker fans since the job opened. He also happens to be one of the best coordinators in the MAC and was a Broyles Award Nominee for best assistant coach in the country.
Kehres' unit ranks in the top 10 nationally in several major statistical categories, including total defense, scoring defense, rush defense, pass defense, defensive pass efficiency, defensive stop rate, and third-down conversion defense.
Nebraska football may be zeroing in on Vince Kehres for defensive coordinator
For those who might be a bit worried that his defensive statistics are skewed by going up against MAC opposition, Toledo defenders have earned All-MAC honors 31 times since his arrival in 2020, while four were selected in the NFL Draft, including first-round selection Quinyon Mitchell in 2024 and third-round pick Darius Alexander in 2025.
In the just wrapped up 2025 early signing day, Toledo finished with the top class in the MAC, with 13 of the 24 signees coming on the defensive side of the ball.
For now, it's not clear if this is a situation where a good interview would mean Kehres is hired, or this is just the beginning of what will be a much longer process.
With Phil Snow as the interim DC for the Nebraska bowl game and the early signing day now in the books, the Huskers likely aren't going to rush in naming the replacement for John Butler.