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NCAA, College League, USA Football: Akron at Nebraska Sep 6, 2025 Lincoln, Nebraska, USA Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule arrives with the team before a game against the Akron Zips at Memorial Stadium. Lincoln Memorial Stadium Nebraska USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xDylanxWidgerx 20250906_jhp_oz8_0253
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NCAA, College League, USA Football: Akron at Nebraska Sep 6, 2025 Lincoln, Nebraska, USA Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule arrives with the team before a game against the Akron Zips at Memorial Stadium. Lincoln Memorial Stadium Nebraska USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xDylanxWidgerx 20250906_jhp_oz8_0253
For head coach Matt Rhule, this was supposed to be his third-year charm. Instead, the Cornhuskers witnessed a 7-5 record, an injured QB1, and an offensive line that scrambled to protect its quarterback. Naturally, it was high time Rhule made some adjustments.
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“We’re actively pursuing what we’ll do defensive-line-wise,” Matt Rhule said. “We thank Terry (Bradden)for his work and his time here.”
On Dec. 9, Rhule fired defensive line coach Terry Bradden. After spending just one season at Nebraska, Bradden was finally let go. With an NFL pedigree, he came to Lincoln after an eight-year stint as a defensive assistant with the Kansas City Chiefs. Under his guidance, the Chiefs won the AFC West Division every consecutive year. Not to forget the three Super Bowl rings, embellishing his fingers. In 2024, the Chiefs allowed the fifth-fewest yards per carry.
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Hoping for similar results, Rhule brought Bradden to Lincoln. But his unit failed to contain the opponent. Allowing 171.5 rushing yards per game and finishing No. 96th in rushing yards allowed did not sit well with Rhule. Moreover, the defense recorded only 19 sacks over 12 games, allowing too many open lanes.
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Coach Rhule shares this morning at his press conference that they have relieved Terry Bradden of his duties here at Nebraska as the D-line coach.
— Avarie Howard (@avariehoward31) December 9, 2025
Against QB Bryce Underwood’s Michigan, which boasts an elite run game, Nebraska failed to contain its ground attack. RB Jordan Marshall chipped in an effortless 50-yard touchdown. The defense barely kept up with his face, while Marshall ran towards an open field. Touchdown. Similarly, RB Justin Haynes scored an effortless 75-yard TD sprint. The Cornhuskers saw similar results against Penn State. The Nittany Lions chipped in four scores and a touchdown, winning, 37-10. A similar situation unfolded against the Iowa Hawkeyes. The Huskers allowed 24 points to a No. 120th-ranked offense.
The run defense was faltering. In 2024, Nebraska allowed 101.2 yards per game. However, the 2025 campaign presented an unsettling picture, allowing 171.3 yards per game. On Dec. 1, Rhule fired former NFL assistant and defensive coordinator Jon Butler. Seven days later, came offensive line coach Donovan Raiola, who also happens to be QB1 Dylan Raiola’s uncle. Two days later, the head coach fired Terry Bradden.
Matt Rhule fires QB1 Dylan Raiola’s family
For Dylan Raiola. Nebraska is more than just a football program. It’s his legacy. His dad, Dominic, was an All-American center while his uncle Donovan coached the Huskers’ offensive line for four years. However, with the offensive line buckling under pressure, Donovan was fired. On Dec. 7, Matt Rhule fired him.
“I informed Donovan Raiola today that he will not be retained as our offensive line coach,” Rhule said in a statement on Dec. 7 “We thank Donovan for his contributions to Nebraska Football over the past four years and wish him the best moving forward.”
Over the weeks, Raiola was sacked 27 times, which was not what the head coach had been expecting. After facing a 24-6 loss to Minnesota, he did not mince his words, saying, “I’d rather die than let my quarterback get hit.”
“I’m pissed off. I’m pissed off at the coaches,” the HC said. “I’m pissed of at myself. I’m mad.”
Losing to the Minnesota Golden Gophers was not what the fans expected. Dylan Raiola was sacked nine times over 60 minutes, limited to barely 177 passing yards. While the run game succumbed to negative 34 yards.
Within 10 days, Matt Rhule fired three assistant coaches, enough to signal a coaching overhaul that Rhule is about to bring. However, he stressed that, “I’m not going to fire anyone else.”He added that he might shift current staff members to newer roles.
Presently, the Huskers are preparing to face off against the Utah Utes in the Las Vegas Bowl. With Bradden’s fiiring, special teams coordinator Mike Ekeler, edge coach Phil Simpson, interim defensive coordinator Phil Snow and assistant defensive line coach Ira Savage-Lewis will coach the D-line.
Written by
Edited by
Pranav Kotai