Nebraska hits reset on defense as Signing Day arrives

With John Butler out, the Huskers immediately turn their attention to recruiting, roster construction and the postseason.

Photo courtesy Nebraska Athletics

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule fired defensive coordinator John Butler on Monday.

It clearly wasn’t the kind of decision you sit on for a week, or a month, or until after the bowl game. Instead, it’s the kind of decision that tells you Rhule is serious about what he needs for his program.

“I informed John Butler earlier today that he will not be retained as defensive coordinator effective immediately,” Rhule said in a statement. “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.”

Nebraska’s defense played well in stretches through the regular season but never solved its biggest problem: stopping anyone with a pulse on the ground. When you finish 114th nationally in yards per carry allowed — 4.80 — everyone involved knows what that means.

Penn State running for 231. Iowa running for 213. Michigan, Minnesota, Northwestern, USC… pick a Saturday. Something broke up front and it didn’t get fixed.

Rhule felt it too.

“I think that’s the No. 1 thing for us right now, controlling the line of scrimmage,” he said after the loss to Iowa.

So Butler is out, Snow is in for the bowl and Rhule begins the search for his third defensive coordinator in three years. That’s not exactly a pattern you want to continue, so this next hire is a crucial one.

And while all of this would be big enough news on its own, Nebraska doesn’t get the luxury of a slow week. December doesn’t work that way. After all, Signing Day is Wednesday and a bowl game is coming. Add to it the transfer portal and other staff changes, and you’ve got yourself a wild December.