LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – Nebraska has parted ways with John Butler after he served one season as defensive coordinator.
Head coach Matt Rhule sent a statement about the firing on Monday.
“I informed John Butler earlier today that he will not be retained as defensive coordinator effective immediately,” Rhule said. “We thank John for his contributions to our football program over the past two seasons and wish him the best moving forward in his coaching career. Phil Snow will serve as the interim defensive coordinator for our upcoming bowl game. We will work toward naming a new defensive coordinator for the 2026 season in the coming weeks.”
Snow is in his first season as Nebraska’s associate head coach. He has served as a defensive coordinator at eight schools plus has three years experience coordinating the Carolina Panthers defense.
Nebraska defensive coordinator John Butler talking to the media in April 2025 about spring football season.(KOLN-TV)
The firing comes after Nebraska’s devastating 40-16 loss to Iowa at Memorial Stadium on Friday. The Huskers allowed 23 unanswered points and were shut out in the second half.
“Defense is about big hits, picking balls off, sac fumbles, scoop and scores, and all those things, and we’re just not getting those versus the higher quality opponents‚” Rhule said during Friday’s post-game press conference.
Butler served as the Huskers’ secondary coach and pass game coordinator during the 2024 regular season before being promoted to defensive coordinator for the Pinstripe Bowl.
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