Nebraska extends head football coach Matt Rhule through 2032
Nebraska football coach Matt Rhule has signed a contract extension.
Under terms of the deal, Rhule is signed with the Huskers through the 2032 season, including a $15 million buyout this year.
“The University of Nebraska, the city of Lincoln, and the state of Nebraska are special. It is a place our family is proud to call home,” Rhule said via press release. “We have outstanding leadership from Dr. Gold and Troy Dannen, and I appreciate the support and confidence they have shown in our staff. Our focus remains on building Nebraska Football into a perennial championship contender.”
The announcement of Rhule’s new deal with Nebraska occurs as Penn State – his alma mater – searches for a head coach to replace James Franklin, who was fired on October 12 after 12 seasons in that role. The 50-year-old Rhule immediately surfaced in speculation as a possible candidate.
That talk now ends.
Rhule’s original deal with Nebraska, signed in November of 2022, covered eight years and was worth up to $74 million, with $66.6 million guaranteed ($9.25 million average).
“Coach Rhule has shown he is the right leader at the right time for Nebraska Football. We look forward to him and his family being in Lincoln for a long time,” Nebraska Director of Athletics Troy Dannen said via press release. “Our program has seen significant progress under Matt’s leadership, and at this stage in the evolution of the program continuity and stability are critical.
“I welcome the opportunity to continue to partner with Matt and his staff to build a program that will make everyone associated with Nebraska Football proud. Go Big Red!”
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Rhule has ample experience in role
A native of New York City, Rhule led Nebraska to its first bowl appearance in eight years in 2024, guiding the Huskers to a victory against Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl. His team last week again achieved bowl eligibility with a 28-21 win against Northwestern to improve to 6-2, including 3-2 in the Big Ten.
Rhule entered this season with 12 years of experience as a head coach, including nine years in the college ranks and three seasons as the head coach of the NFL’s Carolina Panthers. Widely regarded as a program builder and player developer, Rhule led successful turnarounds of programs at Baylor and Temple and improved Nebraska’s record in each of his first two seasons in Lincoln, going 5-7 in 2023 and 7-6 in 2024.
The Huskers’ two-win increase in 2024 continued his history of improvement throughout his college career. Rhule’s teams have increased or matched their win total from the previous season in each of his nine seasons as a college head coach. Additionally, Rhule is one of just 12 active FBS head coaches to guide three different schools to bowl appearances.
“Matt Rhule has been building something special at Nebraska — a program rooted in toughness, accountability, and a culture of doing things the right way,” University of Nebraska President Dr. Jeffrey P. Gold said via press release. “I’m grateful that his leadership will continue, and I’m confident the momentum he’s generating will carry our program — and the pride of Husker Nation — to even greater heights.”
