Dana Holgorsen Joins Nebraska Football as Interim Offensive Coordinator

LINCOLN, Neb. — Dana Holgorsen, the former head coach known for his offensive acumen, has joined the Nebraska Cornhuskers as an interim offensive coordinator, stepping in for the remainder of the season. Holgorsen, who hails from the region just south of Iowa City, has a storied past in football, having come up through the ranks with a background influenced by coaching greats like Hayden Fry.

Holgorsen entered the Nebraska football picture when current head coach Matt Rhule reached out to him on November 3, seeking assistance to invigorate the struggling program. «He was like, ‘Just hurry up and get here,'» Holgorsen recounted. Holgorsen was previously set to return to an analyst role with Sonny Dykes at TCU but opted to take on the challenge posed by Rhule instead.

This move comes amid a challenging season for Nebraska, which has a record of 5-5 and is striving to become bowl eligible, something they have not achieved in seven years. The team has lost four consecutive games, including Holgorsen’s debut as offensive coordinator, which ended in a narrow 28-20 defeat at the hands of USC.

Nebraska athletic director Troy Dannen expressed support for Rhule’s decision, describing it as a necessary introspection given the team’s performance. «You can’t ask for any more out of your coach than to be willing and able to make change when he decides it’s necessary,» said Dannen.

Holgorsen’s task is to revitalize an offense that has scored just 18.3 points per game in Big Ten play this season. Under former offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield, the team managed to score over 30 points in major-conference games only once in the past two seasons. In contrast, Holgorsen’s teams have averaged 33.5 points over his 13 years as a head coach.

Beyond his tactical proficiency, Holgorsen brings a direct communication style. «Very straightforward,» quarterback Dylan Raiola said of Holgorsen’s approach. The coach has not only focused on plays but also on player potential, offering blunt feedback to encourage more dynamic play, particularly from his receivers and running backs.

Despite the challenges of integrating into a new system mid-season, Holgorsen remains committed to the task at hand. «I don’t care. One hundred percent of my focus is trying to get our offense better,» he stated, noting his gratitude to Rhule and his high regard for the Nebraska program.

Observers will watch closely as Holgorsen attempts to turn around Nebraska’s offense in the upcoming games against Wisconsin and Iowa. His temporary assignment might be exactly what’s needed to reverse the Cornhuskers’ fortunes and offer a new strategic direction.