When Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule made the decision to part ways with defensive line coach Terry Bradden, it wasn’t just about shaking up the staff - it signaled a search for a high-impact hire who could elevate the Huskers’ recruiting and development along the defensive front. For a brief moment, it looked like that hire might be Elijah Robinson, one of the most respected defensive line coaches and recruiters in the college game.
But that reunion? It's going to have to wait.
Robinson, who had been pursued by Nebraska, LSU, and Texas A&M, ultimately chose to return to familiar territory in College Station. Despite Nebraska making a strong push - and at one point appearing to be in the driver’s seat - it was the Aggies who landed him after a sudden vacancy opened on their staff.
That opening came when Texas A&M co-defensive line coach Sean Spencer accepted a lateral move to Virginia Tech. Head coach Mike Elko didn’t waste time. He moved quickly to bring Robinson back into the fold for the 2026 staff - a move that makes sense on multiple levels.
For Robinson, it’s a homecoming. He spent six seasons at Texas A&M as the defensive line coach and even served as the interim head coach after Jimbo Fisher was let go in 2023.
During that time, he built strong relationships with players and left a lasting impression as both a leader and a recruiter. It’s no surprise that some of the current Aggies were either recruited or coached by him - and that familiarity could give the Texas A&M defensive front a serious boost heading into next season.
This is a big win for the Aggies. Robinson’s reputation as an elite recruiter is well-earned.
He’s landed top-tier defensive line talent year after year, and his ability to connect with players has made him one of the more coveted assistant coaches in the country. Getting him back on staff strengthens Texas A&M’s recruiting footprint and adds proven leadership to the defensive room.
As for Nebraska, the search continues - at least in part. Rhule has already brought in Roy Manning to coach the edges, a move that adds experience and energy to the outside linebacker and pass-rush group. But there’s still a gap to fill when it comes to the interior of the defensive line.
Rhule hinted earlier this week that any further staff hires likely wouldn’t happen until after the bowl game. That timing now makes more sense. It seems the Huskers were holding out hope that Robinson would choose Lincoln over College Station - and when he didn’t, it reset the timeline.
Now, Nebraska will turn the page and look for another coach who can bring the same kind of recruiting power and player development chops to the table. That’s no small task, but Rhule has shown he’s willing to take his time to get the right fit. The Huskers may have missed out on Robinson, but the search is far from over.