'Angry' Rhule fires OC Holgorsen amid Huskers' 4-game losing streak

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  Max OlsonNov 7, 2026, 01:23 PM ET

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  • Covers the Big 12
  • Joined ESPN in 2012
  • Graduate of the University of Nebraska

Nebraska fired offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen on Saturday, one day after a 24-13 road loss at Illinois extended the Cornhuskers' four-game losing streak in Big Ten play.

Holgorsen, the former head coach at Houston and West Virginia, was in his third season leading the Huskers' offense. Co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Glenn Thomas will assume playcalling duties.

Nebraska coach Matt Rhule praised Holgorsen in a statement, but he said the program simply needs a change after the Huskers have averaged 13.5 points per game during the four-game slide.

"Like so many of you, I am angry, I am disappointed and I am frustrated with our results this season," Rhule said. "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."

After a 5-0 start, Nebraska lost three consecutive conference games against No. 7 Indiana (20-17), Oregon (17-14) and Washington (17-10) despite holding leads entering the fourth quarter. The Huskers generated 426 total yards of offense but just 13 points against the Illini on Friday.

Rhule brought in Holgorsen as his offensive coordinator for the final four games of the 2024 season before giving him a two-year contract that paid $1.2 million annually. Thomas has been a member of Nebraska's coaching staff since 2024.

Rhule said he will continue to evaluate his program over the rest of the season and make additional changes "where I believe they will help us win."

Nebraska goes on the road to face Rutgers next Saturday before closing Big Ten play with two ranked opponents in No. 12 Ohio State and No. 19 Iowa.

"The Nebraska fan base has high expectations and I embrace them, and I also know of their passionate support of the young men in our program," Rhule said. "I hope they will continue to be there for our players with very important games still ahead. Our entire program is determined to finish this season strong."