Rob Aurich has been appointed as Nebraska’s new defensive coordinator, as confirmed by ESPN’s Pete Thamel. This announcement follows Head Coach Matt Rhule’s decision to part ways with former coordinator John Butler.
Background on the Coaching Change
The change comes after a challenging end to the season for the Cornhuskers, during which they allowed 77 points in their last two games. The performances against Penn State and Iowa were critical factors in the coaching decision.
Rob Aurich’s Coaching Credentials
Aurich joins Nebraska after a successful tenure at San Diego State. Under his guidance, the Aztecs established a formidable defense, ranking fifth nationally by allowing just 12.6 points per game. Notably, they managed to restrict seven of their opponents to seven points or fewer throughout the season.
Prior to his role at San Diego State, Aurich was with the Idaho Vandals. Under his leadership, the Vandals achieved a solid ranking of 15th in the FCS, boasting an impressive total defense allowing 306.3 yards per game in 2023.
Upcoming Challenges for Nebraska
Aurich will now oversee Nebraska’s defense as they prepare for a challenging 2026 season. The Cornhuskers are set to face several prominent opponents, including:
- Ohio State
- Oregon
- Washington
- Indiana
The pressure is on Aurich to elevate Nebraska’s defensive strategy and improve performance as they aim for a more competitive season ahead.
