The Nebraska Cornhuskers are continuing to build out their football staff with a clear focus on the trenches-and now, one of their key additions has an official title to match his growing influence. Lonnie Teasley, who’s already been working with Nebraska’s offensive line, has been named the team’s run game coordinator, a move that underscores head coach Matt Rhule’s commitment to elevating the program’s physical identity.
Teasley isn’t new to this level of football. He brings SEC experience from his time as the offensive line coach at South Carolina, and he’s already been hands-on in Lincoln, working alongside current O-line coach Geep Wade during bowl practices. Now, with his new title, Teasley’s role in shaping Nebraska’s ground attack becomes even more defined.
Rhule hinted at the move last week, though he didn’t name names at the time.
“We’ll probably announce another addition here at some point that I think will have major impact,” Rhule said. “It’s just not done yet. I don’t want to say it until it’s done.”
What’s clear is that Rhule sees this as more than just a staff tweak-it’s part of a bigger plan to take Nebraska from a respected football team to a consistently great one.
And the early returns from inside the locker room? Strong.
Offensive linemen Elijah Pritchett and Tyler Knaak have already felt the impact of the expanded coaching group during bowl prep. Knaak noted that with Teasley and Wade leading the charge, and with Aaron Coeling and Riley Moses also in the mix, the offensive line room is deeper than it’s been in a while-not just in talent, but in coaching presence.
“It’s really helpful when you’ve got a group of 20 guys and you can split it up,” Knaak said. “You get more one-on-one time with your coach. It’s a lot more beneficial than maybe having one or two coaches on the staff.”
That kind of hands-on attention matters, especially in the trenches, where technique and cohesion can make or break a drive. Knaak pointed out that the staff’s collective experience-ranging from the ACC and SEC to the Big Ten-means there’s always a coach who’s seen a particular look or solved a particular problem.
“Whatever question is asked in the O-line unit, it’s going to be answered-and it’s going to be answered the best way possible because they have so much experience coaching it.”
The staff has also been intentional about how they divide responsibilities. According to Knaak, Teasley and Coeling have been working closely with the interior linemen, while Wade and Moses are focusing on the tackles. It’s a smart, strategic split that allows for deeper coaching and more individualized development.
“More one-on-one. A lot deeper coaching,” Knaak said.
“You’re sitting in the meeting room and sometimes Coach Wade can only see so much, but Lonnie will say something or Coach Coeling will say something. The more flavors we’ve got in the pot, the better it’s going to taste kind of thing.”
Teasley’s value goes beyond the whiteboard and the practice field. He’s also known for his recruiting chops-something Rhule values deeply. In fact, Teasley was the South Carolina coach who first offered Pritchett back in high school.
“Great assistant coaches, they recruit,” Rhule said. “They develop players and they develop men. So I want all three of those things.”
With Teasley officially in place as run game coordinator, Nebraska’s offensive staff now has more firepower, more experience, and more voices helping to shape the future of the program. And as the Huskers look to take that next step under Rhule, it’s clear they’re building from the inside out-starting with the guys up front.