Nebraska fires defensive coordinator Erik Chinander

Nebraska fired defensive coordinator Erik Chinander on Sunday after the Cornhuskers allowed 580 yards of total offense in a 49-14 loss to Oklahoma.

Chinander has served as defensive coordinator since 2018, originally working under Scott Frost, who was fired on Sept. 11. Mickey Joseph took over as interim head coach, relieved Chinander of his duties and promoted special teams coordinator Bill Busch to take over defensive playcalling duties.

"We appreciate Erik and the work and dedication he has given to our football program," Joseph said in a statement. "At this time, I feel it is in the best interest of the Nebraska football program to take the leadership of the defense in another direction."

Nebraska (1-3) has given up at least 30 points in three of four games to open the season. It has allowed a whopping 514 yards per game, ranking 124th nationally against the rush with its pass defense ranking 115th.

Prior to his time with the Huskers, Chinander was the defensive coordinator at UCF from 2016-17 and was the outside linebackers coach at Oregon from 2016-17. He also had a stint as an assistant defensive linebackers coach with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2013.