Defensive coordinator Tony White 2023 Nebraska football fall camp — Nebraska Athletics photo

Tony White Gets Matt Rhule’s Endorsement as Head Coach Material

Nebraska’s defensive coordinator draws other schools’ interest as Huskers prepare for Iowa

Author:
Joe Hudson
Updated:
Nov 20, 2023 6:21 PM EST
Original:
Nov 20, 2023

In this story:

Nebraska Cornhuskers

Iowa Hawkeyes

The Huskers might be in danger of losing their defensive coordinator, but head coach Matt Rhule won't stand in Tony White's way.

To the contrary, White has Rhule's wholehearted endorsement when search firms come calling.

"Tony White should be a head coach," Rhule said Monday. "He's excellent." But he said White would be wise to steer clear of any place lacking a great recruiting base or where "expectations outweigh the commitment."

"Anybody who has called me about Tony, I said, "Give him a shot.' And I told Tony, 'Pick the right job. Don't pick the wrong job.'"

White's defense has been Nebraska's strong suit during a 5-6 regular season, which comes to a close Friday against a 9-2 Iowa team on Senior Day in Lincoln.

The Huskers have "done nothing but fight all year" and are motivated to earn a sixth win and the bowl berth that comes with it, Rhule said.

Braelon Allen Q4 run 2023 Wisconsin vs Nebraska football USATSI_21932475

"I think it would be great for our program, for our young players. ... I don't think there's any question that they're motivated to try to get this done," Rhule said.

It won't be easy against Iowa's highly ranked defense and special teams, which together can create field-position problems for opponents even if the Hawkeyes' offense isn't doing much besides eating up time on the clock. Fans might call it winning ugly, but it works for Iowa.

"They're so comfortable in a 10-9 game," Rhule said of the Hawkeyes. "Their heart rate doesn't go up."

Rhule spoke at length on a variety of topics as he and the Huskers prepare for the Hawkeyes during a shortened week. A few bullet points:

Two dozen players are expected to take part in the Senior Day walk Friday.
Rhule is happy with the program's health and the buy-in from players, staff and even parents: "I couldn't be happier with where we are. I couldn't be angrier about our record, if that makes sense. Two things can be true."
Before sending the Wisconsin game into overtime with a field goal, Rhule wishes he had called a time out with 30 seconds left and given the offense two shots for the end zone instead of just one. Other than that, he defended the emphasis on avoiding a turnover and scoring with very little time left for Wisconsin to respond. "It was thought out," he said. "It wasn't like we didn't know what we were doing."

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