Nebraska Parts Ways with Defensive Coordinator John Butler After Rough Finish

Nebraska concluded the 2025 regular season with a 7-5 record, finishing on a sour note with a 40-16 loss to Iowa. The Cornhuskers had suffered a similar blowout the week before against Penn State, losing 37-10, marking a disappointing end to a season that had been disrupted by injuries, including a season-ending one to quarterback Dylan Raiola.

Despite recent speculation linking Matt Rhule to the Penn State head coaching vacancy, the Nebraska coach secured his future in Lincoln by signing a two-year extension, keeping him with the Cornhuskers through the 2032 season.

However, the back-to-back defeats highlighted the need for changes within the coaching staff, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. On Monday, reports confirmed that Nebraska would be parting ways with defensive coordinator John Butler.

The decision comes as Nebraska seeks to rebuild confidence on defense and improve results heading into the offseason and the 2026 campaign. Interim coordinator Phil Snow will lead the defense in the upcoming bowl game as the program begins its search for a permanent replacement.

1. Butler’s Departure

The news of Butler’s dismissal was first reported by Sean Callahan of Husker Online and later confirmed by an official statement from Matt Rhule. Butler will not be retained as defensive coordinator effective immediately. Rhule acknowledged Butler’s contributions to the program over the past two seasons and wished him well in his future coaching endeavors. Phil Snow, who has experience as a defensive coordinator at multiple programs, will take over on an interim basis for the bowl game. The Cornhuskers plan to conduct a national search for a new defensive coordinator ahead of the 2026 season. This move reflects Rhule’s desire to address defensive shortcomings that were exposed in the season’s final two games. While abrupt, the change is part of a broader effort to strengthen the coaching staff and position Nebraska for improvement in both performance and recruiting in the coming year.

2. Butler’s Coaching Background

John Butler joined Nebraska in 2024 following Tony White’s departure to Florida State, taking over as defensive coordinator after spending six seasons with the Buffalo Bills as a defensive backs coach. He initially started at Nebraska as the secondary coach and pass game coordinator before being promoted. Butler also brings experience from stops at Penn State, South Carolina, and the Houston Texans, among other coaching roles. His tenure in professional and collegiate football brought valuable knowledge, though results on the field late in the season did not meet expectations. Despite his expertise, Nebraska’s defense struggled in critical games, particularly against high-powered offenses, highlighting the need for a new approach as the program looks to compete in the Big Ten. Rhule’s decision underscores the high stakes of coaching in a major program, where short-term performance and long-term development both factor heavily in staffing decisions.

3. Looking Ahead to 2026

With Butler’s departure, Nebraska now faces the task of identifying a defensive coordinator who can stabilize and improve the unit for the upcoming season. The search will focus on candidates with a proven track record of success at both the collegiate and professional levels. Phil Snow’s interim role for the bowl game provides continuity and an opportunity to showcase leadership, while the program evaluates potential full-time hires for the 2026 campaign. Rhule’s contract extension through 2032 ensures that he will have stability and authority to make structural changes to the staff, including the defensive leadership. The administration is counting on these adjustments to reverse late-season struggles. Looking forward, Nebraska aims to strengthen its defensive identity, recruit effectively, and position itself as a competitive program in the Big Ten, with a renewed coaching staff at the helm.