Nebraska athletics director Troy Dannen publicly backed head football coach Matt Rhule during the Big Ten spring meetings in May 2026, urging patience despite a 19-19 record over three seasons.
Dannen emphasized that the university must avoid hasty coaching changes to successfully rebuild the program.
Rhule took over the Cornhuskers in 2023 after a stint with the Carolina Panthers.
Under his leadership, Nebraska achieved back-to-back bowl appearances, including a Pinstripe Bowl victory in 2024 that ended a 10-year bowl drought.
However, the team finished below 10th in the Big Ten over the last two years.
Dannen told ESPN reporter Heather Dinich that past impatience has harmed the football program.
“One of the things Nebraska has done that's harmed itself has been quick to react when things didn't happen soon enough instead of giving someone a chance who is by definition a program builder the chance to actually build a program,” Dannen said.
“It's hard. Especially when Matt walked into a program that hadn't been to a bowl game in 10 years.
By definition, that's one of the bottom end of the Power 4 programs he walked into.
I think he's done a great job getting us from A to B. The next hurdle is C.”
The statement sparked debate among fans and media outlets like 93.7 The Ticket, who questioned whether previous coaches received adequate time.
Former head coach Mike Riley was fired after a 19-19 record across three seasons, a move partly accelerated to secure Scott Frost after his 13-0 run at UCF.
Dannen further explained the difficulty of Rhule's rebuilding task compared to taking over an already successful program.
“That's different than inheriting a program that won 10 and then winning 11 the next year,” Dannen said.
The upcoming 2026 season brought challenges after quarterback Dylan Raiola transferred to the Oregon Ducks following an injury.
Despite losing four of the final five games last year, Rhule expressed confidence in the team's trajectory following key offseason adjustments, including hiring Dana Holgorsen as offensive coordinator.
“I have to live in the world where having high expectations this past year and losing four out of our last five games,” Rhule said.
Rhule noted that while failing to close out the prior season was difficult, the program remains focused on growth.
“Not being able to finish seasons the way that we want. So, I'm unbelievably optimistic,” Rhule said.
