Nebraska’s Coaching Overhaul: Big Moves, Big Questions, and Big Expectations for 2025

As the dust settles on the 2024 football season, Nebraska has finally completed a sweeping transformation of its coaching staff. The Huskers, led by head coach Matt Rhule, embarked on an ambitious restructuring that saw a staggering 13 coaching changes. Some arrived with fanfare, others departed quietly, but one thing is certain—Nebraska’s coaching landscape will look radically different in 2025.

The latest and final addition? Defensive line coach Terry Bradden, fresh off his tenure with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he played a behind-the-scenes role during their Super Bowl-winning season. Now, he’s shifting his focus to Lincoln, where the pressure is sky-high.

With an entirely new set of coordinators, seven fresh faces (four under 40), and multiple role shifts, the Huskers have redefined their sideline identity. Rhule has embraced change at an unprecedented scale, adding extra assistant coaches thanks to the removal of staff size restrictions. Among them, key figures like Jamar Mozee and Keith Williams are set to play pivotal roles in recruiting and player development.

Athletic director Troy Dannen made it clear that these moves were anything but routine. “If we want to reach the top of the Big Ten, we have to take a different approach,” he said. “Not many coaches are bold enough to shake things up like this—Matt is.”

With the overhaul complete, let’s break down the biggest takeaways, the most significant hires, and the burning questions that will shape Nebraska’s 2025 season.

Grateful for 8 unforgettable years with the @Chiefs. Thank you for the memories, the victories, and the family we’ve built. Looking forward to the next chapter in Lincoln with @HuskerFootball GBR!!! pic.twitter.com/Rw8FImNDWV

— Terry Bradden Jr (@CoachBradden) February 14, 2025

The Game-Changing Hires

1. The Hire That Could Make or Break the Huskers: Mike Ekeler, Special Teams Coordinator

In football, a single special teams mistake can turn a victory into heartbreak. Enter Mike Ekeler, a coach with an intensity level somewhere between a firework factory explosion and a caffeine-fueled linebacker blitz.

Ekeler’s track record is impressive—his Tennessee special teams units were known for their precision and aggression. Nebraska has suffered gut-wrenching losses due to special teams mishaps, and Rhule is betting big on Ekeler to reverse that trend. At $625,000 a year, his salary is a steal—if he delivers.

2. The Coach Rhule Trusts Most: Phil Snow, Associate Head Coach

Phil Snow isn’t just an assistant—he’s Rhule’s right-hand man. Having worked alongside Rhule at Temple, Baylor, and in the NFL, Snow is more than familiar with the head coach’s philosophy. At 69, he won’t be pounding the recruiting trail, but his wisdom and experience will be crucial in mentoring young defensive assistants and stabilizing Nebraska’s revamped defense.

Beyond that, Snow has already influenced staff decisions, helping vet candidates for the special teams coordinator role. His presence ensures continuity amid the chaos of so much transition.

3. The Underrated Gem: Daikiel Shorts, Wide Receivers Coach

Youth doesn’t always mean inexperience. At just 30 years old, Daikiel Shorts brings an impressive résumé. Unlike his predecessor, Shorts has already coached wide receivers at this level and found success, particularly at Houston under new Nebraska offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen.

His track record includes developing standout receivers, and his ties to incoming transfer Dane Key could prove invaluable. Nebraska desperately needs a reliable WR1—Shorts might be the key (pun intended) to making that happen.

Nebraska’s on-field assistant coaches

Three Burning Questions for 2025

1. Can John Butler Command the Defense?

Losing defensive coordinator Tony White was a gut punch. Not only was he a tactical mastermind, but he had a rare ability to connect with his players. Now, the Blackshirts defense is in the hands of John Butler.

Butler has been a respected secondary coach, but his last stint as a defensive coordinator was in 2013 at Penn State. Can he rally the entire defensive unit, motivate them, and maintain the defensive success that defined Nebraska last season? The chemistry between Butler and his players will be critical.

2. How Much Influence Will Glenn Thomas Have Over Dylan Raiola?

Holgorsen might be the offensive coordinator, but he won’t be working with a specific position group. That raises a huge question: What does that mean for Nebraska’s highly touted sophomore quarterback, Dylan Raiola?

Glenn Thomas, the co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, is highly qualified. However, Holgorsen will have significant control over the offense. How much autonomy will Thomas have in developing Raiola? Will he be the guiding force behind Nebraska’s most important player, or will Holgorsen take the lead?

3. What’s E.J. Barthel’s Future in Lincoln?

Of all the coaches, running backs coach E.J. Barthel remains the biggest mystery. With no official contract details revealed for 2025, his long-term future in Lincoln is uncertain.

The Huskers’ running back room is one of the thinnest position groups on the team. With only one proven back, Emmett Johnson, on the roster, Nebraska faces a depth issue. Will Barthel help land more talent via the transfer portal, or will he be forced to develop young and unproven players? His role in shaping this unit could determine how long he stays with the program.

Final Thoughts: Is Nebraska’s Gamble Going to Pay Off?

Matt Rhule’s decision to overhaul his coaching staff is bold, aggressive, and high-risk. Will this be the change that propels Nebraska into Big Ten contention, or will it create instability in a program that desperately needs consistency?

One thing is certain—Nebraska fans won’t have to wait long to find out. Spring practices will provide the first glimpse of how these new coaches and players gel. Until then, the anticipation builds, and the pressure mounts.

One way or another, 2025 is going to be a season to remember.