Nebraska football head coach Matt Rhule is making moves-and not just the kind that win press conferences. After a season that left many Husker fans questioning the direction of the defense, Rhule is reportedly ready to hit reset on that side of the ball. The defensive coordinator position is officially open, and that means it's time to talk candidates.
Let’s be clear: John Butler stepped into a tough situation. He didn’t get to implement his own scheme, instead inheriting the 3-3-5 system.
That’s not an easy ask for any coordinator, especially when the defensive line isn’t up to par. You can scheme around a few weak spots, but when you’re getting pushed around up front, it’s an uphill battle every Saturday.
So, whoever takes over this defense won’t just be inheriting a playbook-they’ll need reinforcements, particularly from the transfer portal. It’s not out of the question that Nebraska could overhaul more than just the coordinator position. This could be a full-scale rebuild of the defensive staff, depending on who gets the nod and who they want to bring with them.
With that in mind, here are five names that make a lot of sense for Nebraska. Some are big swings.
Others feel more realistic. But all of them bring something to the table that could elevate this defense in a hurry.
Jim Leonhard - Denver Broncos Defensive Pass Game Coordinator
Let’s start with the dream hire. Jim Leonhard might be a long shot, but he’s the kind of long shot you seriously consider if you’re serious about winning.
Leonhard’s résumé speaks for itself. Six years as Wisconsin’s defensive coordinator, and he built elite units year after year.
He’s young, he connects well with players, and he’s got that rare blend of college and NFL experience. He knows how to teach the game, and more importantly, he knows how to tailor it to college athletes.
The concern with NFL hires in college is always the same: some guys try to run NFL-level schemes with college-level personnel. That’s a recipe for frustration.
But Leonhard’s already proven he can walk that line. He’s not just a name-he’s a fit.
If Nebraska wants him, it’ll take a serious offer-think $2-3 million per year. That’s top-tier money for a college coordinator, but Leonhard’s a top-tier candidate. If Rhule can pull this off, it would be a statement move.
Brent Pry - Former Virginia Tech Head Coach
Now here’s a name that might not be as flashy, but it checks a lot of boxes. Brent Pry has Big Ten roots and a proven track record as a defensive coordinator.
Before his stint as Virginia Tech’s head coach, Pry was the defensive coordinator at Penn State, where he coached some elite units. His 2017 and 2019 defenses both ranked in the top 10 in scoring defense.
In 2018, his group led the nation in sacks per game. That’s not a fluke-that’s a guy who knows how to get after the quarterback and build a defense that travels.
He’s also been away from the game just long enough to be ready to jump back in. Some fired head coaches take a year to reset.
Pry’s already had that time. And with his familiarity with the Big Ten and a past connection to Penn State, there’s a natural link to Rhule.
If Nebraska wants a seasoned defensive mind who knows how to win in this conference, Pry is a strong candidate.
Geoff Collins - Former Temple and Georgia Tech Head Coach
This one has some real intrigue. Collins followed Rhule at Temple, so there’s a connection already in place.
After getting let go at Georgia Tech, he resurfaced at South Carolina this fall as a senior defensive assistant. That move signals he’s ready to get back in the mix.
As a coordinator, Collins had real success. At Florida, he led two top-10 defenses that were stout against the run, giving up less than four yards per carry in both seasons. At Mississippi State, his defenses were solid, and in his final year, they racked up 36 sacks.
The knock on Collins is that his defenses at Temple and Georgia Tech didn’t crack the top 50 in scoring defense. But as a coordinator-not a head coach-he’s shown he can get results. He’s got experience, he’s got SEC and Big Ten ties, and he’s available.
If Nebraska is looking for a proven DC who’s ready to get back to what he does best, Collins is worth a long look.
Scott Symons - SMU Defensive Coordinator
Here’s the name that’s already been linked to Nebraska, and for good reason. Scott Symons is one of the hottest young coordinators in the country. What he’s done at SMU this season has turned heads.
SMU’s defense in 2024 was no joke. They allowed just 100 rushing yards per game-seventh-best in the FBS-and racked up 43 sacks.
They held opponents to just 3.0 yards per carry and finished 33rd in scoring defense. That’s elite production, and it helped carry SMU to the College Football Playoff.
Symons is in demand. Reports say Texas A&M and Florida State are also interested.
If Nebraska wants him, it’ll take a big offer-probably in the $2-3 million range. But Rhule swinging for a name like this shows he’s not content with incremental improvement.
He wants a game-changer.
Symons fits that mold. He’s young, innovative, and clearly knows how to build a fast, aggressive defense. This would be a forward-thinking hire with serious upside.
Jim Knowles - Penn State Defensive Coordinator
This one depends on how things shake out at Penn State, but if Jim Knowles becomes available, Nebraska should be on the phone immediately.
Knowles has coordinated high-level defenses at Duke, Oklahoma State, Ohio State, and now Penn State. His 2021 Oklahoma State defense was one of the best in the country-top five in total defense, sacks, and rushing defense.
In 2020, his unit led the nation in third-down defense. That’s the kind of situational dominance that wins games.
He’s also had top-25 defenses at three different programs, and top-10 units at two. That’s consistency across systems, conferences, and talent levels.
Knowles is from Philadelphia, just like Rhule, and while that doesn’t guarantee anything, it’s another connection worth noting. He made over $3 million at Penn State, so Nebraska would need to be prepared to match or exceed that. But if he’s on the market, he’s one of the most proven defensive minds available.
Final Thoughts
Matt Rhule has a big decision ahead of him, and it’s not just about hiring a coordinator-it’s about setting the tone for the future of Nebraska’s defense. Whether he swings big with a name like Leonhard or Symons, or goes with a proven veteran like Pry or Collins, the message is clear: Nebraska isn’t settling.
This hire will shape not just the scheme, but the culture and identity of the Huskers on defense. And with the Big Ten only getting tougher, Rhule knows he can’t afford to miss.
Whoever gets the job will need to hit the ground running. The portal is open, the clock is ticking, and Nebraska fans are watching closely.