Nebraska athletics hired a new athletic director on Wednesday. Former Washington athletic director Troy Dannen was hired by the University, according to multiple media reports. Reactions from Nebraska coaches came pouring in, and Nebraska football coach Matt Rhule was extremely excited about the hire.
Dannen has extensive experience both in the Midwest and with Rhule. Dannen is an Iowa native, and knows the football coach well. The athletic director will be coming to Nebraska during a time when the athletic programs are on the upswing. The football program looks to bounce back in 2024, after a 5-7 finish in 2023.
Rhule was busy at the Nebraska football Pro Day on Wednesday, but offered some comments about the hire, as transcribed by The Athletic’s Mitch Sherman.
“I think Troy fits all the criteria that I think we’re all looking for. He’s an accomplished athletic director… He knows the issues facing college football. He’s an unbelievable guy. It’s no slight to the University of Washington, which is an unbelievable place — my sister’s alma mater — but I just know that he wanted to come home. He wanted to be here. I’m fired up. I’m excited to have him. I think the University of Nebraska took a step forward today.”
Having cohesion within the athletic department is going to be important. The fact that the coach at one of the biggest programs at the University approves the hire certainly speaks volumes. It’s important for all athletic programs to be attended to, but there’s no doubt football is king at Nebraska.
Potentially a good sign for Nebraska football
The Midwest roots that Dannen has, and the connection with Rhule certainly bode well for the future. This may be the type of move that makes Nebraska officially Rhule’s last job. Time will tell how he does. With that being said, there’s no doubt he is entering a crucial time in Nebraska athletics.
This hire needed to be done quickly, and it was. Now, we will enter a new era of Nebraska athletics, with the support of Rhule in full swing.
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