In a stunning and unexpected move that has sent ripples throughout the college football world, Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule has officially announced his decision to step down from his position and return to his former post as head coach of the Baylor Bears. The announcement came early Monday morning through a joint press release issued by both Nebraska and Baylor athletic departments, confirming days of speculation and behind-the-scenes negotiations.
Rhule, who took the reins at Nebraska in late 2022, was seen as the man who could restore the storied program to national prominence. Though his tenure in Lincoln was still in its early stages, he had already begun laying the groundwork for a cultural and competitive revival within the Cornhuskers program. His departure now leaves Nebraska scrambling to find a replacement as the 2025 season approaches.
The decision marks a return to familiar territory for Rhule, who coached the Baylor Bears from 2017 to 2019. During his time in Waco, Rhule engineered a remarkable turnaround, taking a struggling Baylor team from a 1–11 record in his first year to an 11–3 season and a Sugar Bowl appearance by 2019. His success at Baylor catapulted him to the NFL, where he coached the Carolina Panthers before making his way back to the college ranks with Nebraska.
Sources close to the situation indicate that Baylor’s aggressive pursuit of Rhule began after the university decided to part ways with former head coach Dave Aranda, following a string of underwhelming seasons. With boosters and fans longing for the stability and excitement that Rhule brought to the program during his previous stint, the university offered a lucrative, multi-year deal to bring him back home.
“I’m incredibly grateful for my time at Nebraska and the relationships I’ve built here,” Rhule said in a statement released Monday. “This was not an easy decision. The support from the university and fan base has been nothing short of phenomenal. However, Baylor holds a special place in my heart, and the opportunity to return and continue what we started was one I couldn’t pass up.”
The reaction from Nebraska has been mixed. Some fans expressed disappointment, feeling the program had finally found its long-term leader. Others, while surprised, wished Rhule well and acknowledged his contributions toward moving Nebraska in a positive direction.
University of Nebraska Athletic Director Trev Alberts thanked Rhule for his service and announced that a national search for the next head coach would begin immediately. “We respect Coach Rhule’s decision and appreciate the energy and passion he brought to our program,” Alberts said. “We remain committed to building a winning tradition here at Nebraska and will move forward with confidence.”
Meanwhile, Baylor fans are buzzing with excitement over Rhule’s return, seeing it as a pivotal move to bring stability and ambition back to the Bears’ football program.
As the college football world processes this major coaching shift, one thing is clear: Matt Rhule’s homecoming to Baylor has reignited expectations—and intensified the spotlight on both programs.
