Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule isn’t going anywhere. After being heavily linked to the opening at Penn State, Rhule shut down any speculation by agreeing to a massive contract extension, a move that secures his future in Lincoln and sends the Nittany Lions back to the drawing board.
Why Did Matt Rhule’s Extension End Penn State’s Pursuit?
Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule recently agreed to a contract extension that will keep him with the program through the 2032 season. According to reports, his new annual salary averages around $11.7 million. Previously, the Cornhuskers’ head coach was considered one of the favorites to succeed James Franklin at Penn State. However, after signing this new deal, Rhule joins Indiana’s Curt Cignetti as another potential option off the board for the Nittany Lions.
Following the announcement, ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg confirmed that a new, massive buyout was the primary roadblock. The contract reportedly included a $15 million buyout, a figure that likely took him out of the running for Penn State.
CONGRATS ON THE NEW DEAL 👏
“We love it here in Nebraska and this is our home..
I love these players and I love this place”@CoachMattRhule #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/UpNv9CLRFk
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 30, 2025
“Matt Rhule is off the board. No Rhule or Cignetti to Penn State,” Rittenberg wrote on X.
Appearing on the Pat McAfee Show, Rhule affirmed his commitment to the program. “We love it here. And to me, there are lots of great jobs. But very rarely in this business do you find a home. And we felt like Nebraska’s our home, we love these players, we love this place. We’re building,” Rhule revealed.
Now in his third season as Nebraska’s head coach in 2025, Rhule has turned the program around. He led Nebraska to its first bowl appearance in eight years in 2024. According to PFSN’s playoff meter, the team is on track for another bowl game with a projected 7-4 record.
Who Will Penn State Target Next?
Meanwhile, Penn State is currently floundering after firing Franklin, who lost three straight games. With a 3-4 record, the Nittany Lions are in desperate need of a new leader, and Louisville’s Jeff Brohm has emerged as the new favorite to take the job.
Reporter Brett McMurphy highlighted the shifting odds. “With Nebraska extending Matt Rhule’s contract, Louisville’s Jeff Brohm is the new favorite, at 40%, to be Penn State’s next coach via @Kalshi,” McMurphy revealed. “Ohio State OC Brian Hartline is next at 29%, Missouri’s Eliah Drinkwitz (17%) & Iowa State’s Matt Campbell (14%).”
With Nebraska extending Matt Rhule’s contract, Louisville’s Jeff Brohm is new favorite, at 40%, to be Penn State’s next coach via @Kalshi. Ohio State OC Brian Hartline is next at 29%, Missouri’s Eliah Drinkwitz (17%) & Iowa State’s Matt Campbell (14%) pic.twitter.com/YdoIVF4Liv
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) October 30, 2025
During his time as head coach at Louisville, Brohm has accumulated the most ACC wins of any coach since he arrived at the program. He also led the Cardinals to their first ACC Championship Game and is currently contending for a playoff spot.
In December 2022, Brohm signed a six-year, $35 million contract. He is owed about $5 million this season as teams continue to express interest. In addition to Penn State, he has also been linked with the job at LSU following the decision to fire Brian Kelly.
While Louisville fans may start to feel the pressure, Nebraska fans can breathe a sigh of relief, as it appears their head coach is going nowhere for the foreseeable future. Rhule’s first game following his contract extension will be against USC.
