Lincoln, Nebraska: Nebraska Fires Offensive Coordinator Dana Holgorsen After Fourth Straight Loss

Nebraska has fired offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen, head coach Matt Rhule announced in a statement released by the Nebraska Athletic Department on Saturday. The move came less than a day after the Cornhuskers lost 24-13 at Illinois on Friday night, their fourth straight defeat after a 5-0 start to the season.

"Like so many of you, I am angry, I am disappointed and I am frustrated with our results this season," Rhule said. He said he is ultimately responsible for every part of the program, including wins and losses, and that it is his job to make changes when they are warranted. "While there are many areas that need improvement, our offensive plan and execution is simply not working. Earlier today, I relieved offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen of his duties."

Co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Glenn Thomas will take over play-calling duties for the rest of the season, Rhule said.

Four losses, 13.5 points a game

The numbers behind the decision are stark. Nebraska averaged 43.6 points a game during its 5-0 start. In the four losses since, the Huskers have averaged 13.5 points and have failed to reach 20 points in any of them, while their defense has allowed 19.5 points a game over the same stretch. Three of the four losses were decided by one score.

Friday night at Illinois showed the problem in one game. Nebraska gained 425 yards of offense and scored 13 points. For the season, the Huskers rank fifth in the Big Ten at 425 total yards a game and seventh at 30.2 points a game, but the points have dried up since the start of the losing streak.

Rhule praised the coach he let go. "As I have recently shared, Dana has a fantastic offensive mind, he is a strong leader, and he has done great work here at Nebraska. But simply, we need a change," he said. Rhule said he will keep assessing the program for the rest of the season and make more changes where they will help the team win, and he asked fans to keep backing the players with important games still ahead.

End of a two-year run

Holgorsen joined Nebraska in November 2024 as an offensive consultant and took over as offensive coordinator later that season, replacing Marcus Satterfield, who was reassigned to coach the tight ends. He stayed in the job full time in 2025.

He arrived in Lincoln with a long head coaching record. Holgorsen was head coach at West Virginia and then at Houston, where he went 31-28 from 2019 to 2023. His overall head coaching record is 92-69.

Nebraska, now 5-4, has three regular season games left. The Huskers play at Rutgers on Saturday, November 14, then play their final home game against Ohio State before closing the season against Iowa.