Matt Rhule has seen and worked with some of the brightest minds in football, but few have impacted his career like Al Golden. The Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach recently took a moment to celebrate the man who once gave him his first major coaching opportunity. With Golden set to take over as the Cincinnati Bengals’ defensive play-caller, Rhule couldn’t help but reflect on the profound influence his former mentor had on him—not just as a coach, but as a builder of programs and a leader of men.
Al Golden’s Masterclass: A Dominant Final Season at Notre Dame
Before making the leap back to the NFL, Al Golden orchestrated a defensive clinic at Notre Dame, crafting a unit that was nothing short of dominant. His 2023 season was a statistical masterpiece:
- First in the nation in turnovers gained (33)
- Best in pass efficiency defense (104.4 rating)
- Tied for most defensive touchdowns (6)
- Top 5 rankings in multiple defensive categories
Golden’s defensive philosophy, a mix of aggression and discipline, turned Notre Dame into a nightmare for opposing offenses. His ability to develop players and implement a suffocating system didn’t go unnoticed, and as he now steps onto the NFL stage with the Bengals, the football world is eager to see if his magic translates to the pros.
Matt Rhule’s Journey Begins: A Chance Meeting That Changed His Career
Long before Rhule became the face of Nebraska football, he was just a young coach with a dream, willing to take a leap of faith. The mid-2000s were a dark time for Temple football—after being booted from the Big East, the program was on life support. Yet, when Al Golden took the head coaching job, Rhule saw an opportunity.
It wasn’t a simple process. Rhule, then an unknown assistant, packed up his entire life—his wife, Julie, two dogs, and even a cat—and drove 11 hours to Philadelphia just to introduce himself to Golden.
“I pulled into North Philadelphia, introduced myself to him, said, ‘Hey, I’d love to work for you someday.’ He didn’t have a job for me. About a month later, he called me.”
That one phone call altered the trajectory of Rhule’s career forever.
The Al Golden Blueprint: Mentorship, Growth, and Opportunity
Golden didn’t just give Rhule a job—he gave him the kind of opportunities that most young assistants only dream of. Within a few short years, Rhule went from coaching the defensive line to handling recruiting, then to quarterbacks, and eventually became Golden’s offensive coordinator.
The rapid rise wasn’t just about titles; it was a trial by fire. Rhule learned what it truly meant to build a program, develop players, and grind through the growing pains of resurrecting a struggling team. More importantly, he learned what it meant to be a leader.
“He taught me a lot. He taught me how to work. And that’s something I try to carry with me.”
Those lessons have followed Rhule from Temple to Baylor, into the NFL, and now to Nebraska, where he faces the daunting task of returning the Cornhuskers to national prominence. But as he reflected at the Broyles Award ceremony, this wasn’t about him—it was about honoring the man who helped him get started.
“To be here tonight to support Al Golden, a guy who gave me my shot, it means a lot. Julie and I had this marked on our calendar. It’s a special night.”
Rhule’s Love for the Assistant Coaching Grind
Success as a head coach comes with prestige, but Rhule admitted there’s something irreplaceable about his days as an assistant. While addressing the crowd at the Broyles Award ceremony, he expressed a deep appreciation for those who do the behind-the-scenes work of shaping players.
“Assistant coaches are the ones who directly impact players’ lives. There’s nothing more powerful than the gift of belief. Those guys change young men’s lives.”
Though Rhule now leads Nebraska’s program, he still misses the intimacy of the assistant coaching role—the ability to be on the ground, molding talent, and working hands-on with players every day.
A Controversial Decision: Nebraska’s Spring Game in Doubt
Despite the nostalgic reflections, Rhule’s name has also been in the headlines for a different reason—his controversial stance on Nebraska’s annual spring game. Traditionally, the Huskers’ spring scrimmage has been a widely celebrated event, drawing massive crowds and national television coverage. However, Rhule recently revealed he “highly doubts” Nebraska will hold a traditional spring game this year.
The reason? Tampering concerns.
“With a game that’s nationally televised, other programs can start scouting and even poaching players. It’s something we have to be cautious about.”
This decision has sparked debate among Nebraska fans. While some understand the concern, others view it as a missed opportunity to showcase the team’s progress and energize the fanbase.
From Student to Master: Rhule’s Coaching Legacy Continues
From his days as an eager assistant under Al Golden to leading one of college football’s most storied programs, Matt Rhule’s journey has been one of perseverance, learning, and calculated risks. He may miss the hands-on grind of being an assistant, but now, as Nebraska’s head coach, he carries the torch passed down by Golden and countless other mentors before him.
The question now is: Can Rhule apply those lessons and restore Nebraska to its former glory? One thing’s for sure—just like his mentor, he’s willing to put in the work.
