Matt Rhule Admits Nebraska ‘Was Not a Good Job’ but Promises Big Turnaround

Rhule painted a picture of a program underfunded in NIL and strapped for facilities, but pointed out that significant investments have arrived. Name, image, and likeness support has improved, and campus upgrades are ongoing, just as promised by AD Trev Alberts and boosters.

By referencing Frost, who famously warned coaches not to take the “wrong job,” Rhule showed he understood the stakes. But he also showed optimism. Frost’s struggles evidently hit home for Rhule, but he stressed Nebraska fits him personally and professionally. “This is the right job for me,” he said.

Rhule pointed to early results as validation. A 5–7 debut in 2023 jumped to 7–6 and a bowl win over Boston College in 2024, the program’s first postseason triumph since 2015. Flickers of momentum, yes, but still symptoms of a long climb back.

The honesty in Rhule’s tone stood out; there was no polished PR spin, just blunt reality mixed with a foundational belief. Now the job shifts from recovery to results. He’s betting that momentum, recruits, and long-term growth will push Nebraska into Power Four relevance once again.

This media-day moment establishes a clear theme: acknowledgement, investment, and a vision for greatness. The question is whether Friday night lights in Lincoln will reflect Rhule’s confidence or reveal just how far the rebuild must go.