Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule made a hard call on Saturday afternoon. He fired offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen after the team dropped its fourth straight game. The decision comes right after a loss to Illinois on Friday night. The program is now in a free fall after a 5-0 start. Rhule took full blame for the results, saying that the offensive plan and execution are simply not working, prompting the change before the season ends.
A Change in Play Calling
Glenn Thomas will take over play-calling duties for the rest of the year. Thomas is the co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. He steps in while the staff tries to find a way to score points. The numbers show a team that can move the ball but cannot finish drives. Over the four-game losing streak, the Cornhuskers averaged just 13.5 points per game. Their defense allowed an average of 19.5 points over the last four contests. The offense ranks near the top of the Big Ten in rushing yards but still loses close games. Rhule noted that while Holgorsen has a fantastic offensive mind, a change was needed. The coach said in a statement that he relieved Holgorsen of his duties. He praised the coordinator as a strong leader who did great work. But the wins were not there.
Costly Mistakes and Missed Chances
The loss to Illinois highlighted the team’s struggles on both sides of the ball. Nebraska topped Illinois in total yards, first downs, and time of possession. Yet the Cornhuskers came up short again in Champaign. The final score was 24-13. Matt Rhule pointed out the simple math after the game, noting that Nebraska had to finish drives and put the ball in the end zone after outgaining Illinois. The team has a long history of one-score losses, including several in recent years. That pattern continues in tight contests. That stat tells a story of a team that cannot close out tight contests. Illinois found its footing with four straight wins. Nebraska crashed to earth with a skid that includes losses to Indiana, Oregon, Washington, and Illinois. Holgorsen was in his third season with the program. He previously led West Virginia and Houston as a head coach.
The road ahead looks tough for the remaining games. Nebraska faces the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on the road next week. The schedule then brings ranked matchups at home against Ohio State. A final road game against the Iowa Hawkeyes awaits after that. The team must find a spark to finish the season strong. The entire program is determined to turn things around. Rhule said he will continue to evaluate the program throughout the season. He promised to make additional changes that will help the team win. The firing of Holgorsen is the first step in that process. The Cornhuskers began the season 5-0 before the recent slide.
