Nebraska football dealing with shock resignation of assistant coach
What is is about the weeks before fall camp starts and Nebraska football having to replace an assistant coach? On Friday evening, the Huskers announced that defensive backs coach Evan Cooper has resigned for "personal reasons."
While NU has confirmed earlier reports from Pete Thamel that Cooper is not longer part of the staff, no specific reasons for his depature have been given at this time.
Sources: Nebraska assistant coach Evan Cooper has resigned from his position. He worked as the football program’s secondary coach and defensive pass game coordinator. The school is amid a search for his replacement.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) July 5, 2024
On its face, it's a massive blow for the Nebraska football team. Not only is Cooper considered a very good coach who helped shape a secondary into one of the best in the Big Ten last year, but he's also seen as having a keen eye when it comes to talent evaluation.
Nebraska football dealing with shock departure of defensive backs coach Evan Cooper
Evan Cooper also served as Nebraska's passing game coordinator. Cooper has been with Rhule nearly every step of the way, spending three seasons in Carolina as the cornerbacks coach and the director of player evaluation.
Before their stints with Carolina and Nebraska, Cooper was on Rhule's staff for three seasons at Baylor, where he served as the cornerbacks coach and recruiting coordinator. Cooper was also Baylor's director of player personnel in 2017.
The loss of Cooper continues what has been a rather up and down offseason for the Cornhuskers' secondary. Though until today, the worst thing that happened was the loss of defensive back Blye Hill for a portion of the 2024 season.
Cooper's depature means that it is the second straight year that the Nebraska football has had to deal with an opening in the coaching staff right before the season. Last year, it was tight ends coach Bob Wager who was let go after being cited with a DUI. For now, it doesn't appear the Evan Cooper's resignation has anything to do with a criminal matter.