Nov 25, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; Houston Cougars head coach Dana Holgorsen walks the sideline during the second quarter against the UCF Knights at FBC Mortgage Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Dana Holgorsen Named Nebraska's New Offensive Coordinator

Originally posted on Nebraska Cornhuskers on SI
By Tanner Johnson | Last updated Nov 11, 2024 12:51 PM ET

Nebraska football coach Matt Rhule made a surprising move when he hired Dana Holgorsen to join his offensive staff last week.

The hire immediately sparked speculation about what kind of role an experienced coach like Holgerson would have on Nebraska's staff. Now, after just a week, it seems like that speculation is over.

Rhule announced on Monday during his press conference that Holgerson will now serve as the Huskers' offensive coordinator and will call plays for the offense for the rest of the season. He will be replacing Marcus Satterfield, who has served as the offensive coordinator for Nebraska since Rhule was hired in 2023.

It is an unorthodox approach to try and fix an offense to bring in an outside coach and name him the offensive coordinator over halfway through the season. However, Rhule made it clear that he felt a change was needed to get the most out of the offense and its talent.

"It's unique," Rhule said. "But it's probably what's needed. It's the right thing."

Holgerson has plenty of experience calling plays and leading an offense to success. He has been an offensive coordinator for Texas Tech, Houston, and Oklahoma State in his career. In his two head coaching stops at West Virginia and Houston, he oversaw one of the country's best offenses every year. His experience is undeniable and he will likely provide an upgrade over Satterfield, who fans had started to sour on as the season has progressed.

Holgorsen's first game in his new role as offensive coordinator will come against USC on Saturday in Los Angeles. The Trojans' head coach Lincoln Riley is also known for his offensive prowess. The Huskers will likely need to score a lot of points to beat USC, providing a difficult first test for Hogerson as the new offensive coordinator.