Let’s be real for a second. Being a Nebraska fan usually involves a weird mix of blind optimism and waiting for the other shoe to drop. You've seen the coaching carousels. You've heard the promises about "getting back to our roots." But as we look at the nebraska cornhusker football coaching staff heading into 2026, things actually feel different this time. It’s not just about big names; it’s about a massive schematic pivot that Matt Rhule is betting his entire tenure on.
If you haven't been obsessively refreshing the news, Rhule just spent the last two months essentially tearing down and rebuilding the pillars of his staff. Out went the 3-3-5 defense and the old-school line philosophy. In came a group of "grinders" from the Mountain West and the SEC. It’s a gamble. A big one.
The Rob Aurich Era: Killing the 3-3-5
For the last couple of years, the "3-3-5" was the buzzword in Lincoln. It was supposed to be the answer to modern Big Ten offenses. It wasn't. After letting John Butler go, Rhule went out and grabbed Rob Aurich from San Diego State.
Aurich is a name you might not have known six months ago, but he’s basically the "young riser" archetype that Rhule loves. He’s bringing a 4-2-5 scheme.
Why does this matter to you? Because it means the "Blackshirts" are trying to get aggressive again.
The 3-3-5 often felt like it was playing on its heels, trying to confuse people with late shifts. Aurich’s system at San Diego State was top-10 in the country because it focused on speed and "breaking" offenses rather than just bending. Honestly, it’s a relief to see a staff that wants to put four big bodies on the line and just hunt.
He’s not alone, either. Rhule brought over Roy Manning from SDSU to coach the edges. If you want to see Nebraska actually pressure a quarterback without having to blitz seven guys, Manning is the guy who has to make that happen.
Dana Holgorsen and the Offensive Identity Crisis
We have to talk about the "Red Bull" in the room. Dana Holgorsen is officially the guy.
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Remember when he showed up as a consultant late in 2024? The offense suddenly looked... competent? He’s now on a two-year deal worth $1.2 million annually. You’ve probably heard people say he’s just an "Air Raid" guy, but that’s not really true.
Holgorsen’s best teams have always been able to run the ball. That’s why the additions of Geep Wade (Offensive Line) and Lonnie Teasley (Run Game Coordinator) are so critical.
- Geep Wade: Came from Georgia Tech. He’s a guy who builds "Joe Moore Award" type lines.
- Lonnie Teasley: Picked up from South Carolina. He’s there to make sure the run game actually fits with Holgorsen’s passing concepts.
Basically, the nebraska cornhusker football coaching staff is trying to mash together SEC-style physicality with Big 12-style passing explosive plays. It sounds great on paper. But as any Husker fan knows, "on paper" doesn't win games in November in Iowa City.
Who Else is Manning the Sidelines?
It’s easy to focus on the coordinators, but the position coaches are where the real development happens.
Miles Taylor is a fascinating hire. A former Iowa defensive back—yeah, I know, it’s weird—who came over after a stint with the Chargers. He’s taking over the safeties. Having a guy who played in the Big Ten and coached in the NFL is a huge get for a secondary that has been "fine" but not elite.
Then you have Corey Brown handling the defensive line. He was a monster at Miami (Ohio). His job is simple: make sure the guys up front are mean enough to handle the 4-2-5 transition.
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And of course, we have to mention the "Raiola factor." While Donovan Raiola is out as O-line coach, Dylan Raiola is still the centerpiece of the team. The coaching staff is now entirely built around maximizing his remaining years in Lincoln. If Holgorsen and Wade can't protect him and give him weapons, none of these other hires will matter.
The Special Teams Drama
Is Mike Ekeler staying? Is he going? This has been the soap opera of the off-season.
As of right now, there’s been a lot of noise about USC trying to poach him. Losing Ekeler would be a massive blow. He’s the energy guy. He’s the guy who has the special teams unit actually blocking kicks and playing with a pulse.
Rhule has hinted that the staff is "mostly" set, but if Ekeler leaves, expect another scramble. Continuity is great, but special teams have been one of the few bright spots in the last two years, and you don't want to mess with that chemistry.
What This Staff Needs to Prove
Let’s get down to brass tacks. The 2026 version of the nebraska cornhusker football coaching staff is built for one thing: Identity.
For a decade, Nebraska hasn't known who they are. Are they a power team? A spread team? A defensive juggernaut?
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The current staff suggests Rhule has finally picked a lane. He’s going with a high-ceiling, aggressive defense (Aurich/Manning) and a pro-style, balanced attack (Holgorsen/Wade).
The Risks:
- Scheme Shock: Moving from a 3-3-5 to a 4-2-5 isn't just a name change; it requires different types of players. Can the current roster adapt fast enough?
- Coordinator Clashing: Will Holgorsen’s ego mesh with Rhule’s "process"? We’ve seen big-name coordinators fail in Lincoln before because they didn't want to play the head coach's way.
- Recruiting Gaps: Aurich and Wade are great developers, but they don't have the same "star power" on the recruiting trail as some of the guys they replaced. They have to win on the field to prove they can win in the living rooms.
Actionable Insights for the Season
If you’re watching the Spring Game or heading to Memorial Stadium this fall, keep your eyes on these three things to see if the staff is actually working:
- The Defensive Front: Does Nebraska have four true down-linemen who can hold the point of attack? If they’re still getting pushed around by mid-level Big Ten teams, the Aurich hire might have been a mistake.
- Raiola’s Release Time: Under Holgorsen, Dylan Raiola should be getting the ball out faster. Look for more "quick game" and fewer seven-step drops that lead to sacks.
- Special Teams Discipline: If the penalties on punts and kickoffs start piling up, it’s a sign that the "energy" of the staff isn't translating to discipline.
The "off-season championship" is over. Matt Rhule has the guys he wants now. No more excuses about "inheriting a mess" or "fixing the culture." This is his staff, his scheme, and his legacy on the line.
To stay ahead of the curve, keep a close watch on the transfer portal movements in the late spring. The staff has already signaled they want more "explosive" bodies on the edge. If they can land one or two more SEC-caliber defensive ends to fit Aurich's 4-2-5, Nebraska might actually be a threat in the Big Ten again.
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