Nebraska fires offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen after loss to Illinois drops Huskers to 5-4

A fourth straight loss has led to the dismissal of Nebraska offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen.

A day after Nebraska lost 24-13 at Illinois, coach Matt Rhule announced that he had fired the former Houston and West Virginia coach.

"Like so many of you, I am angry, I am disappointed and I am frustrated with our results this season," Rhule said in a statement. "As the head coach, I am ultimately responsible for every aspect of our program — including wins and losses — and it is my responsibility 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. 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. Co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Glenn Thomas will take over play-calling duties."

"Like so many of you, I am angry, I am disappointed and I am frustrated with our results this season," Rhule said in a statement. "As the head coach, I am ultimately responsible for every aspect of our program — including wins and losses — and it is my responsibility 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. 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. Co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Glenn Thomas will take over play-calling duties."

After wins over Michigan State and Maryland pushed Nebraska to 5-0, the Cornhuskers have struggled once their Big Ten schedule got tougher. Nebraska has lost to Indiana, Oregon, Washington and now the Illini over the past four games.

The offense has been a big reason for that losing streak. After Nebraska scored at least 31 points in each of its first five games of the season, the Huskers haven't scored more than 17 points in any of the past four games. And three of those losses have all come by just one score.

Nebraska scored 13 points Friday night despite totaling 426 yards and averaging 5.8 yards per play.

It's been a familiar season for Nebraska fans as the team has again struggled to capitalize on early-season success. The Huskers will be favored in Week 11 at Rutgers, but if Nebraska doesn't get to a sixth win and bowl eligibility next week, the postseason might be a lost cause. Nebraska ends the season with games against No. 12 Ohio State and No. 19 Iowa.