Nebraska Football: Cornhuskers Hire Matt Rhule to Lead Big Red Into the Future

The Nebraska Cornhuskers have their man. Former Carolina Panthers (and Baylor, Temple) head coach Matt Rhule has been appointed Scott Frost’s successor and there is much celebration. Rightfully so, as this is easily one of the most important hires in school history. That and Husker Nation was running out of names to debate. The search was long, exhausting, and sapped everyone’s strength. But It’s over.

In terms of realistic nominees to take over after an eight-week coaching search, Rhule was among the best obtainable. Several others would’ve been a safe bet and steady hand, such as Lance Leipold or Chris Klieman. But not who you pick if you’re looking to revive Nebraska’s brand in a hurry. You don’t have to remind recruits who Rhule is.

And he had other options. He could’ve sat on his couch while binging Netflix and collecting $40 million in buyout money. Despite not being an ideal strategy when keeping your seat warm for a return to the sport, Rhule appears to enjoy a challenging rebuild.

He had a four-year stint at Temple posting a 20-7 record and back-to-back bowl appearances in his final two seasons, a first for the Owls. There was the yeoman’s work to revamp Baylor’s image while reeling from the scandal-riddled Art Briles era. That blot severely tainted the university. Not just college football’s eyes, but the nation’s, and it hasn’t entirely faded. Good luck recruiting players to that.

But Rhule found his guys with an eye toward character before going from 1-11 to 11-3 and a Sugar Bowl berth just two years later. He departed the Lone Star State with bridges built to countless Texas high schools, critical for any quick talent surge at the college level.

Yes, his days spent in the world of professional football were brief. But The League has a nasty habit of chewing up the FBS’ finest and spitting them out. His place is being featured on "College GameDay" prior to Saturday’s early kicks. While we don’t know what his staff will look like, connections run deep.

Buffalo Bills quarterbacks coach Joe Brady, Carolina Panthers pass game specialist Matt Lombardi, and Los Angeles Rams offensive assistant Jake Peetz are names that dot an extensive list to ignite a fresh start moving the ball.

Long-time colleague Phil Snow, Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden, and prominent Texas A&M assistant Elijah Robinson are potential picks to help bring glory back to the Blackshirts.

What we do know is Nebraska made a statement. No more half measures or pinching pennies. Of course, there’s no guarantee the experiment will work. But signing someone at the top of wanted lists for the best available — a coach that may force the Big Red Brass’ hand at frequent extensions — isn’t a bad thing.

This is a program that couldn’t afford any less than a head man with national cache and an element of “Can you imagine what he could do if he came here?” It’s been irrelevant for too long. A strikeout meant permanent banishment to on-screen trivia questions.

Rhule’s challenge now is clawing back into the ranks of the elite. Reviving Nebraska football to "Blueblood That Had a Rough Stretch" status. He’ll do so with a full stadium, overflowing coffers, and a shiny state-of-the-art facility sitting across the way from his office.

His mindset fits seamlessly with Nebraskan culture. A grinder, a family man, and one of faith. That personality plays well from Omaha to Scottsbluff.

Athletic director Trev Alberts was methodical, knowing he couldn’t afford to miss. Frustrating as it was for observers, there were no true leaks, only speculation. And Alberts appears to have done everything imaginable to make sure Rhule can access all tools necessary to be golden in Lincoln.

There are skeptics, but that was going to be the case short of hiring Nick Saban himself. Even then, the battered mentality of a modern-day Husker football fan would lead some to question if he had enough left in the tank. But if he wins quickly, Rhule will be the state’s pride and joy in a heartbeat.

From the roster to staff up and down the line to a meeting with the Minnesota Golden Gophers in Minneapolis to kick off the 2023 season, there’s plenty to figure out. And the early signing period for recruits starts Dec. 21.

Welcome to The Big Red Fish Bowl, Coach.

— Written by Brandon Cavanaugh, part of the Athlon Contributor Network. Be sure to follow him on Twitter (@Bcav402). To contact him, click here.