Nebraska Fires OC Dana Holgorsen, Matt Rhule 'Angry' and 'Disappointed' with 2026 Results

Having lost four straight games in which the offense scored fewer than 20 points in all of them, Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule is making changes to try turning things around.

In a statement released on Saturday (h/t ESPN's Max Olson ), Rhule announced the firing of offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen while expressing he is "angry" and "disappointed" with the team's results so far this season:

"Like so many of you, I am angry, I am disappointed and I am frustrated with our results this season. 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. While there are many areas that need improvement, our offensive plan and execution is simply not working."

The Cornhuskers started the season 5-0, though the schedule helped that because Ohio was the only FBS team they beat that currently has a winning record.

Nebraska's first loss of the season was a close 20-17 defeat against then-undefeated Indiana that suggested the program was making positive progress.

Any signs of progress have since been erased by an offense that has been able to get out of its own way. Nebraska has scored a total of 37 points in its last three games.

Friday night's loss to Illinois saw the Huskers rack up 426 yards, but that total was offset by two missed field goals and nine penalties called against the offense.

The problems in Lincoln go far beyond this season and the offense. Nebraska hasn't defeated a ranked opponent since Sept. 2016, a streak of 32 consecutive games after the loss to Indiana earlier this season.

Holgorsen has been the offensive coordinator for Nebraska since the 2024 season. The Huskers rank 55th among FBS teams in points per game this season, which is the highest mark of the Holgorsen era after finishing 59th last year and 103rd in 2024.

Rhule is midway through his fourth season as head coach at Nebraska. He has a 24-23 record overall with three games remaining this year.

Next up for the Cornhuskers is a matchup with Rutgers at SHI Stadium in New Jersey on Nov. 14.