With a $74 million, eight-year contract, Matt Rhule’s arrival at Nebraska was met with high expectations. After all, he had achieved great success at both Temple and Baylor, turning around struggling programs and establishing a winning culture. Now, two full seasons into his tenure at Nebraska, the head coach has once again proven his ability to transform a team.
Rhule’s journey to Nebraska began with his impressive record at Temple. In just four seasons, he took the Owls from a 2-10 record to a 10-4 record and a conference championship. His success caught the attention of Baylor, who hired him to turn around their struggling program. And once again, Rhule delivered. In just three seasons, he took the Bears from a 1-11 record to an 11-3 record and a Sugar Bowl appearance.
It was no surprise that Nebraska, a program with a rich history but struggling in recent years, wanted Rhule to work his magic on their team. And he has not disappointed. In his first season, the Cornhuskers finished with a 5-7 record, a significant improvement from their 4-8 record the previous year. But it was in his second season that Rhule truly showed his impact.
Despite the challenges of a global pandemic and a shortened season, Rhule led Nebraska to a 9-3 record and a spot in the Big Ten Championship game. This was the first time the Cornhuskers had reached the conference championship since 2012. And while they ultimately fell short in the game, the progress made under Rhule’s leadership was evident.
But it’s not just about the wins and losses for Rhule. He has also established a winning culture at Nebraska that has long-term effects. His players have bought into his philosophy and have shown tremendous growth both on and off the field. Rhule’s emphasis on character and discipline has created a team that not only wins games but also represents the university with pride.
And now, with the College Football Playoff (CFP) expanding to 12 teams, many are saying that Nebraska could be a contender under Rhule’s leadership. In a recent interview, Rhule expressed his support for the expansion, stating that it would give more teams a chance to compete for a national championship. He also believes that it would bring more excitement and interest to the sport.
Rhule’s plea for a 40-team CFP expansion has been met with overwhelming support from fans and experts alike. Many believe that with his track record of turning around programs, Rhule could lead Nebraska to national prominence once again. And with the resources and support from the university, there is no doubt that he has the potential to do so.
But for Rhule, it’s not just about winning championships. It’s about creating a lasting impact on his players and the program. He wants to build a team that not only wins games but also prepares his players for life beyond football. And that is what makes him a truly exceptional coach.
In conclusion, Matt Rhule’s arrival at Nebraska has been nothing short of heroic. He has transformed a struggling program into a competitive one and established a winning culture that will have long-term effects. With his leadership and the support of the university, Nebraska is on its way to becoming a powerhouse in college football once again. And with the CFP expansion, the future looks even brighter for the Cornhuskers under Rhule’s guidance.