Matt Rhule delivered a jarring announcement at his Monday press conference, revealing Nebraska is making a change at offensive coordinator for the rest of the 2024 season.

The offense has undoubtedly regressed and failed to make a jump this season with Marcus Satterfield serving as the OC and calling the plays. During the bye last week, it was announced that former Houston and West Virginia head coach Dana Holgorsen was added to serve as an offensive consultant, but Rhule revealed he will in fact serve as the OC for the rest of the season.

“Called him last week, had him come in. Had him kind of look at everything. He’s got a long history of success offensively, both as a head coach and as a coordinator,” said Rhule about Holgorsen and the move. “He gives us a fresh perspective… I just think it gives us a great opportunity to have one of the great, great offensive minds who I’ve been friends with before and I trust.”

While there is a personal connection between Holgorsen, Rhule says this decision is ultimately about hiring a respected figure, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. The head coach also admitted it’s probably a unique situation but admitted it was something the Huskers needed.

“Just someone I respect as a coach. It’s not a friend thing. I respect him, respect what he’s done… I think he felt confident, he said to me likes our coaches, he likes our players and felt like he could help,” Rhule explained.

Nebraska opened the season by scoring 24+ points in the first 5 games of the season. Since then, the Huskers have been held under 21 points in 4 straight games, including a current 3-game losing streak.

While the blow admittedly has to sting for Satterfield, Rhule says the OC has taken the move graciously and is still connected with the program. Satterfield has done his best to help the transition and make things smooth for Holgorsen, and Rhule reiterated his appreciation for the staff that started the season.

However, Rhule acknowledged the need for help at this point in the process:

“I appreciate the work our staff has done. They’ve worked for the kids and grinded and produced some good moments,” said Rhule. “But I thought we needed some help. I thought this was the right thing to do.”

So, what should fans expect moving forward? While Holgorsen learned under some of the pioneers of the Air Raid offense, Rhule explained it is too late in the season to expect a massive schematic change for the offense.

Instead, Rhule says the goal is for Holgorsen to establish what the Huskers have been doing well and lean into those elements. Rhule also said the situation is all about Nebraska’s chances to finish this season strong.

We’ll see what it looks like when Nebraska hits the field vs. USC, but it will be an interesting stretch run to finish the season.