The Nebraska football team probably thought it was done shifting its roster around, but it looks lke there is at least a chance the Huskers will need a new running backs coach.
Earlier this week, reports started surfacing that Barthel was at least on the radar for the Texas Longhorns. Head coach Steve Sarkisian needs to replace a hole in his coaching staff after his own RB coach, Tashard Choice left Austin to join the Detroit Lions’ staff. He departed the Longhorns after Choice declined the running backs coach job with the Dallas Cowboys earlier this winter. The coach has been with Texas since 2022.
Meanwhile, Barthel has been with the Nebraska football since 2023 as he joined the Huskers in Matt Rhule’s first season. This past season, he led a running backs room that included Dante Dowdell and Emmett Johnson. Those backs led the team in rushing yards with 614 yards and 598 yards, respectively.
Nebraska football could be on verge of losing EJ Barthel
There is one reason why Barthel might listen if Texas comes calling. Barthel previously worked for Texas offensive coordinator Kyle Flood when Flood was the head coach at Rutgers. Barthel was the head of player development from 2013 to 2014.
The good news here is that the Nebraska football team isn’t guaranteed to lose Barthel. The same report that mentioned the Husker running backs coach might be a prospect for the Texas opening has several other men, including Georgia Tech's Norval McKenzie and Baylor's Khenon Hall.