Just a month ago, Nebraska was riding high at 5-0 and looked poised to knock off Indiana in a statement win. Fast forward to now, and the Cornhuskers are reeling, having dropped four consecutive games. Head coach Matt Rhule didn't wait long to make a change, announcing less than 24 hours after Friday's 24-13 loss to Illinois that offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen has been relieved of his duties.
The latest setback in Champaign was a microcosm of Nebraska's recent offensive struggles. While the unit managed 426 total yards, they could only muster 13 points, following last week's 10-point output against Washington. It's been a brutal slide for a team that once looked like a contender, and Rhule made it clear that something had to give.
“Like so many of you, I am angry, I am disappointed and I am frustrated with our results this season. As the head coach, I am ultimately responsible for every aspect of our program—including wins and losses—and it is my responsibility to make changes when they are warranted,” Rhule said in a press release. “While there are many areas that need improvement, our offensive plan and execution is simply not working. Earlier today, I relieved offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen of his duties. As I have recently shared, Dana has a fantastic offensive mind, he is a strong leader, and he has done great work here at Nebraska. But simply, we need a change.”
Holgorsen, who previously served as a head coach with a 92-69 record, had been Nebraska's offensive coordinator since 2024. His departure marks a significant shakeup for a program that entered the season with high hopes but has seen those hopes dashed by a late-season collapse.
Glenn Thomas, the co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, will take over play-calling duties for the rest of the season. It's a move that Rhule hopes will spark some life into an offense that has gone stagnant. But the question remains: can this team salvage anything from a season that has turned sour?
The Cornhuskers' fall from grace has been dramatic. At 5-0, they had a chance to go 6-0 against Indiana on Oct. 10. Instead, they blew a 17-6 fourth-quarter lead and have been spiraling ever since. That loss seemed to break the team's confidence, and the subsequent defeats have only deepened the sense of disappointment.
Nebraska's offense has been particularly inept in the red zone, and the lack of explosive plays has been glaring. The team's inability to put points on the board, despite moving the ball at times, has been a recurring theme. Against Illinois, they had plenty of yards but couldn't convert those into touchdowns, a pattern that has plagued them all season.
While the coaching change might provide a short-term jolt, the long-term implications are uncertain. Rhule, who has been vocal about his frustration, is clearly looking for answers. In a related twist, Rhule recently defended his family after a fan berated his 13-year-old daughter, showing the emotional toll this season has taken on him personally.
As the Cornhuskers prepare to face Rutgers next Saturday at 12:30 p.m. ET, the pressure is on. The team needs a win, not just for pride, but to stop the bleeding. Whether Thomas can engineer a turnaround remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: this season has been a massive letdown for a program that expected much more.
For now, Nebraska fans are left to wonder what could have been. The 5-0 start feels like a distant memory, replaced by the harsh reality of a season that has slipped away. The firing of Holgorsen is a bold move, but it may be too little, too late to salvage anything meaningful from this campaign.
