Patience for Matt Rhule

[suffocation_]

Neither is over the moon excitement true of the general discourse.

Whenever you replace your failed coach with somebody new, there’s always going to be more optimism and hope. But there was plenty of talk at the time of Rhule’s hire about his record against ranked teams, his failure at Carolina, and his penchant for changing jobs every few years. On the up side, he seemed to be our top choice. So we got who Trev wanted.

no, it's perfectly accurate.

any pushback or doubt was vehemently opposed, with promises of "wait til year 3 cuz one time at Baylor" being made

the proof is right here, we've seen 3 weak years + 1 great half against Colorado and it's still controversial to not sing his praise

it was so obvious too. on pure resume, he is possibly the worst hire since the leather helmet days.

 

[RBigredMax1]

no, it's perfectly accurate.

any pushback or doubt was vehemently opposed, with promises of "wait til year 3 cuz one time at Baylor" being made

the proof is right here, we've seen 3 weak years + 1 great half against Colorado and it's still controversial to not sing his praise

it was so obvious too. on pure resume, he is possibly the worst hire since the leather helmet days.

It’s controversial to not sing his praises? About as controversial as being a homosexual in San Francisco. On this board it is waaaay more controversial to defend the head coach than bash him.

 

[1thomas]

Two pages of (mostly) negative posts about Rhule and you single mine out to try to make a point? Yet, you can't refute anything I said with actual discussion? Seems the problem may be on your end.

Sorry to single you out.

 

[suffocation_]

About as controversial as being a homosexual in San Francisco.

Thank you for sharing your experience!

 

[Mister_Scarlet]

OP is either Rhule’s agent or a direct family member. Rhule is the worst coach in the BIG and it ain’t even close. He has taken this program to a level of irrelevance I didn’t think was possible.

It’s all good though, we are a basketball school now.

Worse shape than Riley or Frost had the program?! Come on...

 

[HuskerO58]

Oh really? Which parts aren't accurate? I'll even make it easy for you. Name our top 5 assistant coaches under him.

Without looking it up, who are the Top 5 assistant coaches for Georgia?

 

[HuskerO58]

i've had coaches like Rhule before. all of them were before high school.

they're more concerned with the logistics of who is bringing the celebratory orange slices and giving self-congratulatory speeches at pizza hut than they are treating the game as something that needs to be won no matter the cost.

You believe pre-HS coaches should treat games as something that needs to be won no matter the cost?

 

[suffocation_]

You believe pre-HS coaches should treat games as something that needs to be won no matter the cost?

absolutely not

 

[king_kong__]

Worse shape than Riley or Frost had the program?! Come on...

He’s producing pros at a lower clip than frost

and all his best players so far have been frosts recruits

 

[king_kong__]

It’s controversial to not sing his praises? About as controversial as being a homosexual in San Francisco. On this board it is waaaay more controversial to defend the head coach than bash him.

This hasn’t been the case until maybe the 2nd week of Nov 2025

And this is definitely exquisitely rare for this board. Insiders board is still chock full of sunshine pumpers and Rhule white knights. TPB is about 50/50.

But you are right. Lots of ball knowers here. (The Kong Effect? I kid I kid)

 

[Scoop123]

This hasn’t been the case until maybe the 2nd week of Nov 2025

And this is definitely exquisitely rare for this board. Insiders board is still chock full of sunshine pumpers and Rhule white knights. TPB is about 50/50.

But you are right. Lots of ball knowers here. (The Kong Effect? I kid I kid)

Whoa... finding a true sunshine pumper right now is like finding a pink unicorn for me. I'm actually surprised when I read that we have them. I think guys like Tuco and others on this free board aren't defending Rhule as much as saying "Chill out, give him another year." Far from sunshine pumping - but still on the other side of the fence from many of us.

But to hear there are actual sunshine pumpers. Based on what? I think these must be eternal optimists who'd rather cling to hope and finally be proven wrong - because it feels better inside than maybe feeling like they're being negative nellies and downers, no matter who strongly reality looks you in the eye.

Shrug. Not sure, but it's strange to me. I know many might call us negative nellies, but for me - I honestly believe it's reality more than negativity - based on data, experience, and the facts in front of us etc.

 

[RBigredMax1]

Thank you for sharing your experience!

 

[Man Woman & Child]

Without looking it up, who are the Top 5 assistant coaches for Georgia?

Why would I know that? And what the hell does it have to do with this discussion? You really want to argue that Rhule's best assistants at NU (in particular the ones he's retained) are as good as Kirby Smart's at Georgia? Because that would be the point you appear to be trying to make with that post. Or maybe you're just full blown soft in the head?

 

[RBigredMax1]

Whoa... finding a true sunshine pumper right now is like finding a pink unicorn for me. I'm actually surprised when I read that we have them. I think guys like Tuco and others on this free board aren't defending Rhule as much as saying "Chill out, give him another year." Far from sunshine pumping - but still on the other side of the fence from many of us.

But to hear there are actual sunshine pumpers. Based on what? I think these must be eternal optimists who'd rather cling to hope and finally be proven wrong - because it feels better inside than maybe feeling like they're being negative nellies and downers, no matter who strongly reality looks you in the eye.

Shrug. Not sure, but it's strange to me. I know many might call us negative nellies, but for me - I honestly believe it's reality more than negativity - based on data, experience, and the facts in front of us etc.

This is where I am. I want it to work because I’m tired of it not working. I don’t want to believe we are 0-3 on our last hires and I’m hoping for a breakthrough. Not for Rhule’s sake at this point but for the sake of husker nation.

But 4 years in and we are hoping for 6 wins to cover the over … ugh. Regardless of schedule that is beyond frustrating.

 

[orclover11]

Very little that is accurate in this post.

He wasn't desired for most respectable coaching jobs. But remember, we all knew if Scott Frost failed at NU we were screwed at a program. This was the sentiment nationally. If the hottest coach in the country, with the most momentum, couldn't go to his alma mater, and with a long leash, make it work. Nobody could. So most people thought Rhule was a good hire for such a dumpster fire as Nebraska, but not a good hire for a winning program.

 

[suffocation_]

Without looking it up, who are the Top 5 assistant coaches for Georgia?

Not even in the same universe.

The best Georgia assistants have left for promotions, not lateral moves to escape a sinking ship.

 

[HuskerO58]

Why would I know that? And what the hell does it have to do with this discussion? You really want to argue that Rhule's best assistants at NU (in particular the ones he's retained) are as good as Kirby Smart's at Georgia? Because that would be the point you appear to be trying to make with that post. Or maybe you're just full blown soft in the head?

Both of your assumptions are wrong. Try again. Next time act like a decent human being and not a dickhead.

 

[Mister_Scarlet]

He’s producing pros at a lower clip than frost

and all his best players so far have

He’s producing pros at a lower clip than frost

and all his best players so far have been frosts recruits

I'm looking at the only stat that really matters, wins. Let's face it though, nobody has set the world on fire the past 20 years.

 

[HuskerO58]

Not even in the same universe.

The best Georgia assistants have left for promotions, not lateral moves to escape a sinking ship.

Surely Kirby was able to fill those vacancies with other good assistants, right?

What's funny is that I'm not even saying Rhule assistants = Kirby assistants, but that naming 5 right now is completely pointless. Just because they're not some big name / known commodity doesn’t mean they won't become something in the future. Whether that's 2 years from now or 8.

 

[HuskerO58]

I'm looking at the only stat that really matters, wins. Let's face it though, nobody has set the world on fire the past 20 years.

For Kong, the W/L stat only matters when comparing QBs. It's completely worthless when using it to compare anything else.

 

[FullyHusked1]

Worse shape than Riley or Frost had the program?! Come on...

With the resources and the ability to flip a roster with NIL, you could make an argument he is on Frost’s level. Riley won more meaningful games than Rhule.

We are now considered a basketball school, and our program is seen as a stepping stone for HS recruits to come get early playing time, and then bounce to a relevant program for NIL $$$. We are the modern day JUCO.

 

[suffocation_]

Surely Kirby was able to fill those vacancies with other good assistants, right?

What's funny is that I'm not even saying Rhule assistants = Kirby assistants, but that naming 5 right now is completely pointless. Just because they're not some big name / known commodity doesn’t mean they won't become something in the future. Whether that's 2 years from now or 8.

I believe the point he was making was that the two best assistants Rhule has had (White and Ekeler) left, both on bad/awkward terms, for lateral moves.

No matter how you slice it, that is not normal.

 

[Redblood23_rivals]

I have patience all the way until the season starts

 

[king_kong__]

For Kong, the W/L stat only matters when comparing QBs. It's completely worthless when using it to compare anything else.

What’s the difference between winning 4 and 7?

same meaningless thing

 

[HuskerO58]

What’s the difference between winning 4 and 7?

same meaningless thing

If the difference between 4 and 7 are meaningless, then what's the difference between 4 and 8 or even 9?

How many wins does it take to make a difference and why is it that number?

 

[HuskerO58]

I believe the point he was making was that the two best assistants Rhule has had (White and Ekeler) left, both on bad/awkward terms, for lateral moves.

No matter how you slice it, that is not normal.

Idk, I think non-head coaching material assistants make lateral moves all the time. I could be wrong though.

Did Eckler make a lateral move going from Tennessee to Nebraska or did he actually move downward?

 

[OxfordComma]

What’s the difference between winning 4 and 7?

same meaningless thing

Going 4-8 means your season was a failure. Always. Full stop.

Going 7-5 may or may not be acceptable. Depends upon the state and trajectory of the program in the perception of the fans. I felt 7-5 this past year with that schedule was underwhelming. 7-5 this upcoming season would be really good, given the change at QB, harder schedule, new coaches, and the fact I really don’t expect Rhule to right the ship.

 

[Man Woman & Child]

I believe the point he was making was that the two best assistants Rhule has had (White and Ekeler) left, both on bad/awkward terms, for lateral moves.

No matter how you slice it, that is not normal.

Ding ding ding, we have a winner. You'll have to forgive our little friend @HuskerO58 here, he's a little slow.

 

[Man Woman & Child]

Surely Kirby was able to fill those vacancies with other good assistants, right?

What's funny is that I'm not even saying Rhule assistants = Kirby assistants, but that naming 5 right now is completely pointless. Just because they're not some big name / known commodity doesn’t mean they won't become something in the future. Whether that's 2 years from now or 8.

You clearly missed the point. Too busy getting all up in your feels I guess. The point is that if Rhule is "so well respected in the coaching profession" you'd think he'd have better assistants. Or at least be able to attract more than one or two in 4 years? Maybe retain the best one(s) for more than a year?

The "name his top 5 assistants" comment was simply to illustrate that he ran off the top 2 of those within their first year and then the list drops pretty significantly after that. Why you brought in Georgia to try to argue that, I have no idea.

But, just to be clear, now your contention is that IF this latest round of assistant coaches ends up being good 2 to 8 years from now, that somehow proves how "well respected in the coaching profession" Rhule is?

 

[K Rod]

I think many of the issues fans have with Ruhle are with regard to optics. The 9 sack game vs Minnesota, a team that was barely able to sack ANY Qb in their prior games, the complete meltdown vs Iowa. The optics of having a coach upset with fans being angry after these horrible losses. The special team disasters that existed in his first two seasons. Having Satt call plays. The optics of having an entire offensive staff clueless about EJ clearly being our best back, yet buried 3rd on the depth chart until Dana arrived. So many things that lead you to think that Matt has no clue about what he is doing. And then, having the D line coach last year tell Matt "get your *** down here and help us coach up the D line". The idiotic backward cap that was somehow supposed to signal that Matt was "down in the trenches" with the players. Finally solving the special teams problems, turning ST into a strength, then seeing the coach bail after one year. I get the fact that Matt is a little butt hurt about the fans reaction and support at this point. But what do you expect, going 19-19 at NU ? A parade???

What Husker fans want is a well conditioned, well coached team that does not melt down, fold, get pushed around, and players who consistently get better as they age. We want to see a team at least compete in games that matter. We want a coach who understands the disappointment of a fan base angry at seeing two seasons implode after a good start. We want a team with depth. We want to cheer our players on when they play on Sunday. What we want, and what NU is giving us right now ( reseating, warm expensive beer you wait 25 minutes in line for, forced "donations" to be able to overpay for tickets to watch a .500 team ) is nowhere close to what fans want. We want what Indiana got. Fierce determination to be the best, accountability, a demand for excellence, organization. Accountability.

 

[Man Woman & Child]

This hasn’t been the case until maybe the 2nd week of Nov 2025

And this is definitely exquisitely rare for this board. Insiders board is still chock full of sunshine pumpers and Rhule white knights. TPB is about 50/50.

But you are right. Lots of ball knowers here. (The Kong Effect? I kid I kid)

Whoa... finding a true sunshine pumper right now is like finding a pink unicorn for me. I'm actually surprised when I read that we have them. I think guys like Tuco and others on this free board aren't defending Rhule as much as saying "Chill out, give him another year." Far from sunshine pumping - but still on the other side of the fence from many of us.

But to hear there are actual sunshine pumpers. Based on what? I think these must be eternal optimists who'd rather cling to hope and finally be proven wrong - because it feels better inside than maybe feeling like they're being negative nellies and downers, no matter who strongly reality looks you in the eye.

Shrug. Not sure, but it's strange to me. I know many might call us negative nellies, but for me - I honestly believe it's reality more than negativity - based on data, experience, and the facts in front of us etc.

Call it sunshine pumpers, call it Rhule apologists, call it whatever you want. The fact of the matter is that Rhule has become indefensible and those still defending him (which I still see a lot - look no further than this very thread) are really just arguing to argue at this point.

 

[king_kong__]

If the difference between 4 and 7 are meaningless, then what's the difference between 4 and 8 or even 9?

How many wins does it take to make a difference and why is it that number?

An 8 or 9 win season puts you right on the verge of finishing the year in the top 25.

going 4-8 or 7-5 is the same meaningless purgatory. May as well not even play.

 

[suffocation_]

Idk, I think non-head coaching material assistants make lateral moves all the time. I could be wrong though.

Did Eckler make a lateral move going from Tennessee to Nebraska or did he actually move downward?

Yes, you are wrong when it comes to Georgia.

Ekeler received a significant monetary bump and is a native Nebraskan.

 

[HuskerO58]

You clearly missed the point. Too busy getting all up in your feels I guess. The point is that if Rhule is "so well respected in the coaching profession" you'd think he'd have better assistants. Or at least be able to attract more than one or two in 4 years? Maybe retain the best one(s) for more than a year?

The "name his top 5 assistants" comment was simply to illustrate that he ran off the top 2 of those within their first year and then the list drops pretty significantly after that. Why you brought in Georgia to try to argue that, I have no idea.

But, just to be clear, now your contention is that IF this latest round of assistant coaches ends up being good 2 to 8 years from now, that somehow proves how "well respected in the coaching profession" Rhule is?

Just because I don't immediately agree with you or try and play devil's advocate, doesn't mean I'm "all up in my feels" or even think Rhule is the right guy for Nebraska.

Learn to have a conversation without resorting to being a huge douchebag.

To your last paragraph. You're the one with the requirement that in order to be a well respected coach, you must have successful assistant coaches (this isn't something I completely agree with, not without more defined terms). So based on YOUR requirements, then the answer would be yes.

 

[HuskerO58]

Yes, you are wrong when it comes to Georgia.

Ekeler received a significant monetary bump and is a native Nebraskan.

Which part about Georgia?

Tennessee he was making $575k.
Nebraska he was making $625k.
USC he'll be making (per Google), $800k-$900k.

So if a $50k is a significant monetary bump then $175k is REALLY a significant pay bump. So if you could answer my question please... Did Eckler make a lateral move going from Tennessee to Nebraska or did he actually move downward?

 

[HuskerO58]

An 8 or 9 win season puts you right on the verge of finishing the year in the top 25.

going 4-8 or 7-5 is the same meaningless purgatory. May as well not even play.

I don't completely agree, but I get what you're saying.

If we ever get to 8 wins with Rhule, I'll be interested to see if you say it was a meaningful season or not.

 

[Redscarlet]

I don’t believe Rhule is anywhere near the fit at NU that Fred is. I’ll be patient but his team needs to play better this year regardless of the record. We could play better and still only win 6.

True but we all thought SF was a great fit till he wasn’t.

 

[Man Woman & Child]

Just because I don't immediately agree with you or try and play devil's advocate, doesn't mean I'm "all up in my feels" or even think Rhule is the right guy for Nebraska.

Learn to have a conversation without resorting to being a huge douchebag.

To your last paragraph. You're the one with the requirement that in order to be a well respected coach, you must have successful assistant coaches (this isn't something I completely agree with, not without more defined terms). So based on YOUR requirements, then the answer would be yes.

You being all up in your feels has nothing to do with you agreeing with me. It is in reference to you telling me to "be a decent human being" and calling me a "dickhead" (and now "huge douchebag"). All very emotional responses based on your feelings getting hurt. My reference to you being slow are in direct response to your lack of comprehension here. As has been exhibited by you over and over.

You've moved the goal post from "quick without looking it up name Georgia's assistants" like it was some kind of trivia contest, which made zero sense in the discussion...to Rhule's 4th set of assistants could be good 2 to 8 years from now, which also makes zero sense in this discussion. All while completely ignoring the main point which was that his best 2 assistants have been one and done guys who he couldn't get along with. Literally none of your points have had anything to do with Rhule being well respected in the coaching profession.

Sorry, but you seem like just another Rhule apologist who doesn't have a valid point (because nobody can anymore with Rhule), so you argue just to argue. Or you have a comprehension issue. Or maybe both.

 

[Man Woman & Child]

Which part about Georgia?

Tennessee he was making $575k.
Nebraska he was making $625k.
USC he'll be making (per Google), $800k-$900k.

So if a $50k is a significant monetary bump then $175k is REALLY a significant pay bump. So if you could answer my question please... Did Eckler make a lateral move going from Tennessee to Nebraska or did he actually move downward?

Now do cost of living for each location, stability of the head coach, roster, performance of who he replaced and opportunity for improvement, family proximity, etc. Point being, there are a lot of factors at play.

Granted, Ekeler has a history of jumping jobs (which wasn't one of your arguments). BUT, that doesn't change the fact that he was one of our best assistants and it was pretty well documented that he left because he and Rhule didn't get along. Which was the point. Which you seem to have missed AGAIN.

Maybe what I take as you arguing just to argue or being slow to comprehend the discussion at hand is what you think is just playing devil's advocate. Thing is, if that's what you're doing, you're just not doing it very successfully. At all.

 

[king_kong__]

I don't completely agree, but I get what you're saying.

If we ever get to 8 wins with Rhule, I'll be interested to see if you say it was a meaningful season or not.

I'll just tell you right now it would be.