Matt Rhule inks Nebraska extension, ending PSU talk

LINCOLN, Neb. – [Current Date] – Nebraska Cornhuskers head football coach Matt Rhule has agreed to a contract extension, solidifying his commitment to the program and effectively removing his name from consideration for any potential coaching vacancies, including the frequently rumored Penn State job. While the specific terms of the new agreement have not yet been publicly announced, the move signals a strong endorsement from the university’s athletic department despite a 5-7 record in his inaugural season.

Rhule’s initial contract with Nebraska, signed on November 26, 2022, was a six-year deal worth $37.5 million. This swift extension less than a year into his tenure suggests both parties are aligned on the long-term vision for the storied program. Sources close to the negotiations anticipate the new agreement will feature improved financial terms for Rhule and an increased buyout clause, making him an even more expensive target for rival institutions.

The extension puts an end, at least for the foreseeable future, to the recurring speculation linking Rhule to the Penn State Nittany Lions. Rhule’s name consistently surfaced whenever rumors suggested current Penn State head coach James Franklin might depart for other high-profile programs, most notably LSU or USC. That scenario played out prominently after the 2021 season, though Franklin ultimately signed a significant 10-year, $75 million extension with Penn State in November 2021, securing his presence in Happy Valley.

Rhule brings a proven track record of rebuilding college football programs, having successfully revitalized both Temple and Baylor before a challenging stint with the NFL’s Carolina Panthers. At Temple, he transformed a struggling program into a two-time AAC East Division champion, culminating in a conference title in 2016. He then took Baylor from a 1-11 record in his first season (2017) to an 11-3 record and a Big 12 Championship appearance in 2019, earning him national coach of the year honors. This history of foundational change made him a coveted candidate for programs like Nebraska, eager to reclaim past glory.

Nebraska’s 2023 season, Rhule’s first in Lincoln, saw the Cornhuskers finish 5-7, missing out on a bowl game. However, the team exhibited a significant uptick in competitiveness, with six of their losses coming by a single score. This included narrow defeats to ranked opponents and a strong defensive showing throughout much of the year, providing a foundation for optimism among the fanbase and university leadership. The competitive nature of those losses, combined with an overhauled culture and strong recruiting efforts, appears to have convinced Nebraska officials that Rhule is on the right track.

For now, Matt Rhule appears fully committed to the task of restoring the Cornhuskers to national prominence, focusing on the sustained development of the program he embarked upon in Lincoln.