Elite ACC defensive coordinator may be near top of Nebraska's wish list

Having fired John Butler after one season as Nebraska's defensive coordinator, the hunt for his replacement is gaining steam. SMU defensive coordinator Scott Symons is reportedly near the top of the Huskers' wish list. However, he's far from the only name Matt Rhule is looking at.

At first glance, NU fans might not be all that geared up for a defensive coordinator from a school not well known for its defense. However, Symons' performance is better than most realize upon further examination. Among other things, his resume includes getting tapped as a Broyles Award nominee for three straight years. That award goes to the best assistant coach in the country.

For now, Symons to Nebraska is still in the rumor stage. On3's Bill Embody was the first to connect the dots from SMU to the Huskers. However, his name was also mentioned last year when Tony White jumped to Florida State. That would indicate that Rhule has been impressed with the Mustangs' defensive coordinator for a while now.

Nebraska eyes SMU’s Scott Symons as DC search heats up after John Butler firing

The hunt for the replacement for John Butler entered a new phase this weekend with the reported visit of Toledo DC Vince Kehres to Lincoln. Kehres is expected to interview for the job, and it's not clear if he's a first candidate or a final candidate.

Should Nebraska decide to kick the tires on Symons, they'll find a talented coordinator saddled with a defense that's had to deal with a fast-paced offense that turns the ball over plenty.

SMU's defense on a per-play basis (basically pace-adjusted) was solid if not spectacular. The Mustangs were Top 15 in redzone scoring and points per play. In contrast, NU was 134th and 79th in those ratings this year.

Symons' defense was modestly better on 3rd down conversions were far better on 4th down conversions.

The biggest question beyond whether Nebraska is leaning into Scott Symons as a candidate is whether he'll be interested. He's been a candidate for other jobs before and stuck with the ACC school. NU head coach Matt Rhule is also getting a reputation as someone who shifts his staff on a yearly basis. Symons may not be interested in risking a jump under those circumstances.