Nebraska tight ends coach Bob Wager resigns after 'citation for a driving offense'

Nebraska tight ends coach Bob Wager has resigned from his position, the program announced Friday. As a result, special teams analyst Josh Martin has been promoted to a full-time position.

Wager said he received a “citation for a driving offense,” which led him to turn in his resignation. It’s unclear what led to the citation.

“It is with great remorse that I resign from my position as an assistant football coach at the University of Nebraska,” Wager said in a statement. “Earlier this week I received a citation for a driving offense that I regret immensely. I am grateful for the opportunity extended to me, and sincerely sorry for any negativity my poor decision has brought to my family, our team, our staff and all those that I have disappointed.”

Wager was preparing for his first year on staff as part of Matt Rhule’s new staff following a long career as the head coach at Arlington Martin (TX) High School from 2006-22. At Arlington Martin, he had a 143-64-1 record and took the program to 17 straight playoff appearances.

Earlier in the offseason, Bob Wager expressed excitement about the tight ends room. Only Nate Boerkircher has totaled a career reception at the position and Arik Gilbert’s eligibility status is still up in the air after transferring. Still, Wager was confident in the players Nebraska has at the position.

“Well, in a three month period of time, we’ve learned a great deal. Learned it’s a highly competitive room. They root for each other. They’re building a great bond with one another. And they’re eager to be developed and eager to get better. I’m proud of the way they’ve immersed themselves into the playbook and proud of the way that they come out to compete every day,” Wager said.

Martin’s promotion is effective immediately. He previously served as a full-time assistant at SMU, working as tight ends coach with a stint as special teams coordinator, from 2017-21. Before that, he worked at Arizona State from 2014-17, working his way up from graduate assistant to full-time assistant before serving as a senior offensive analyst in 2016 and 2017.

Nebraska is making its final preparation for Rhule’s first season at the helm. The Cornhuskers are looking to bounce back from a 4-8 record a year ago and will kick off the 2023 campaign Aug. 31 against Minnesota on the road at Huntington Bank Stadium.

On3’s Andrew Graham contributed to this report.