Less than a week after Matt Rhule fired John Butler, he's found his next defensive coordinator for the Nebraska football team. Interestingly enough, it's a name that didn't get brought up in the quick search that included only one interview that actually went public. Now the team has reportedly tapped Rob Aurich as the man to turn things around in a "prove it" season in 2026.
Aurich spent the 2025 campaign in his first season as the defensive coordinator of the San Diego State Aztecs. According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Nebraska has agreed to a three-year deal with Aurich and brought in what is considered a young up-and-comer.
Matt Rhule looks to Rob Aurich for Nebraska football's new defensive coordinator
San Diego State finished No. 5 in scoring defense this year at 12.6 ppg, an improvement from No. 97 last year at 29.6 ppg. Of the four teams ranked higher in points allowed was Vince Kehres' Toledo and then three College Football Playoff teams. Nebraska finished ranked 55th in Butler's only season as defensive coordinator.
In addition to putting together a top notch scoring defense, the Aztecs also ranked in the Top 20 in several other categories. Yards per game, yards per play rushing touchdowns allowed, passing yards per attempt, touchdowns allowed, opposing completion percentage, third down conversion rate and red zone scoring percentage.
Before joining the Mountain West team, Aurich helped FCS school Idaho get their first postseason bid. Statistically, the Vandals ranked 15th in FCS in total defense (306.8) and lowered their points allowed per game for the second consecutive season under Aurich to 22.08 ppg in 2024.
Now that Nebraska has hired Geep Wade on the offensive line and Rob Aurich as the defensive coordinator, the Huskers are back to a full staff, always depending on what the new DC decides he wants to do about his assistants.