Since James Franklin was fired by Penn State, most insiders have considered Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule as the leading candidate to replace him. That led to Huskers AD Troy Dannen speaking on the subject on Tuesday night and even Governor Jim Pillen discussing the issue on Wednesday morning.
Pillen appeared on 93.7 The Ticket early Wednesday morning, and to the surprise of no one, was asked about whether he was worried about Rhule leaving. Because Pillen is a former Husker player and former NU Regent, the program is even nearer and dearer to his heart than it might have been to another governor.
Nebraska governor Jim Pillen says Matt Rhule is 'committed' and not going anywhere
Pillen started off his response by making it clear he respects the Nebraska head coach immensely. "I know this much about Coach Rhule. Coach Rhule is committed to what he's doing. He's committed to the day. He's an extraordinarily disciplined human being, and there's not a shadow of a doubt that he's putting everything on the line for these kids. He coaches because he loves these kids. He's an extraordinary leader."
There’s no place like Nebraska.
— 93.7 The Ticket (@937TheTicket) October 22, 2025
Yesterday, Governor Jim Pillen (@TeamPillen) joined the Early Break crew and spoke on some of the Matt Rhule rumors, making it clear that Nebraska is the place to be, and Rhule knows it.
Catch it all here!https://t.co/6kzyocX2NO pic.twitter.com/z8fYiA1fXO
The governor then said he isn't all that worried about where the Cornhuskers' coach might end up after the season.
"I have no concerns, whatever, whatsoever, what he's going to do," Pillen said, seemingly hinting that he thinks Rhule will stick around. "I believe he loves this place. I believe that Julie loves this place. He loves the people."
Pillen then made his closing argument.
"I agree with Coach Rhule. This is a destination job. This isn't a, and it's awesome that we have a great coach that somebody else wants. Hey, those are awesome things...This is one of the best places in the world to coach, and that's what we're building towards, and we have a great leader to do that."
For his part, the Nebraska head coach hasn't talked like someone with one foot out the door. However, there's still bound to be trepidation around the issue until Penn State names someone else.