Nebraska finished the regular season 7-5 (4-4 Big Ten), with a defense that posted measurable weaknesses in key areas, allowing 23.0 points and 171.3 rushing yards per game, among the most in college football.
While their pass defense was solid (ranked second with 141.1 passing yards allowed per game), the unit was inconsistent overall and suffered several notable collapses, including a 37-10 loss at Penn State and the 40-16 loss to Iowa on Saturday.
Now, after back-to-back lopsided defeats to Big Ten rivals, HuskerOnline’s Sean Callahan reported on Monday that Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule has parted ways with defensive coordinator John Butler.
The report landed mere hours after the loss to Iowa, a game that magnified late-season defensive breakdowns and renewed questions about the direction of the program.
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Butler arrived in Lincoln after more than three decades of coaching experience that included spells in college (including a prior stop at Penn State) and a long run in the NFL with roles coaching defensive backs and as a pass-game coordinator.
Notably, in his six seasons coaching the Buffalo Bills’ defensive backs (2018-2023), the Bills had a top-five pass defense five times.
Rhule brought Butler to Nebraska as a secondary coach in July 2024 and promoted him to defensive coordinator in December 2024 after Tony White’s departure.
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Rhule was hired as Nebraska’s head coach on Nov. 26, 2022, signing an eight‑year, $74 million contract after previously rebuilding Temple (2013–2016) and Baylor (2017–2019) into nationally relevant programs and regular bowl contenders.
However, after three seasons in Lincoln, Rhule holds an overall record of 19-18 as head coach of the Huskers.
While Nebraska showed growth early under Rhule, the team slumped down the stretch this past season, with the defense being particularly vulnerable.
Rhule, who the university extended through 2032 on October 30, will now turn the staff decision into an offseason priority while still preparing for the final bowl game.
