LINCOLN, NEBRASKA (KOLN) – Nebraska has parted ways with John Butler after serving one season as defensive coordinator.
Head coach Matt Rhule sent a statement about the firing on Monday.
“I informed John Butler earlier today that he will not be retained as defensive coordinator, effective immediately,” Rhule said. “We thank John for his contributions to our football program over the past two seasons and wish him well as he moves forward in his coaching career. Phil Snow will serve as the interim defensive coordinator for our upcoming bowl game. We will work toward naming a new defensive coordinator for the 2026 season in the coming weeks.”
This is Snow’s first season as Nebraska’s associate head coach. He has worked as a defensive coordinator at eight schools and has three years of experience coordinating the Carolina Panthers defense.
The shooting comes after Nebraska’s 40-16 loss to Iowa on Friday at Memorial Stadium. The Huskers gave up 23 unanswered points and were shut out in the second half.
“The defense is all about big hits, picking up balls, sack fumbles, scoops and scores and all those things, and we’re not getting them against high-quality opponents,” Rhule said during Friday’s postgame press conference.
Butler served as the Huskers’ secondary coach and pass game coordinator during the 2024 regular season before being promoted to defensive coordinator for the Pinstripe Bowl.
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