matt Rhule Receives extension through 2032 at Nebraska
Nebraska head football coach Matt Rhule has agreed to a two-year contract extension, securing his position with teh program through the 2032 season. The announcement comes as Nebraska demonstrates progress under Rhule’s leadership, potentially heading towards its best season in nearly a decade.
Rhule has consistently expressed his belief in the potential of the Nebraska program, stating, “The University of Nebraska, the city of Lincoln and the state of Nebraska are special. It is indeed a place our family is proud to call home.” He acknowledged the support of university leadership, adding, “We have outstanding leadership from [Nebraska president] Dr. [Jeffrey P.] Gold and [athletic director] Troy Dannen, and I appreciate the support and confidence they have shown in our staff.our focus remains on building Nebraska Football into a perennial championship contender.”
The extension keeps Rhule from being a candidate for other prominent coaching vacancies,including the open position at his alma mater,Penn State.
While the new deal does not alter his current base compensation, it includes incentives tied to College Football Playoff appearances. Specifically, Rhule’s base salary will increase by $1 million for each year on the deal every time Nebraska qualifies for the CFP.
The average annual value (AAV) of rhule’s salary throughout the course of the deal exceeds $11.7 million,placing him among the highest-paid coaches in college football. His salary for the additional two years is set at $12.5 million annually, consistent with the final year of his previous contract in 2030.The contract remains 90% guaranteed.
Currently, Rhule earns $8.5 million this season, ranking him in the top 15 nationally for coach salaries. Prior to the extension, his contract included escalators, projecting a $11 million salary (with retention bonus) in 2027.
Nebraska hasn’t achieved consecutive bowl appearances since 2016, a 9-4 season under Mike Riley marking the last time the Cornhuskers won more than eight games in a single season.
Athletic Director Troy Dannen expressed his support for the extension, stating, “Coach Rhule has shown he is the right leader at the right time for Nebraska Football. We look forward to him and his family being in Lincoln for a long time. Our program has seen significant progress under Matt’s leadership, and at this stage in the evolution of the program continuity and stability are critical.I welcome the prospect to continue to partner with Matt and his staff to build a program that will make everyone associated with Nebraska Football proud. Go big Red!”
Rhule was hired in November 2022 to replace Scott Frost after five consecutive losing seasons. despite being previously fired by the Carolina Panthers, he brought a proven track record from successful tenures at Temple, where he won an American Athletic Conference title in 2016, and baylor, leading them to a Sugar Bowl appearance following the 2019 season.
While former Athletic Director trev alberts initially hired Rhule, the extension was negotiated and agreed upon with current Athletic director Troy Dannen.
