The rise of Matt Rhule as one of the highly rated head coaches in the nation has been noticed by all. Be it rival programs trying to snatch him away from Nebraska, or be it the program’s notable alumni. Ndamukong Suh is also one such name.
Since Rhule joined the Husker nation, he has taken the program to a Pinstripe Bowl win and has started strongly this season with a 6-2 record. However, the coaching carousel has pushed his name around, with most noise coming from Penn State. This forced the Cornhuskers to hand him a lucrative extension, that is worth around $87M and will keep him through 2032 at Nebraska.
Ndamukong Suh Celebrates Matt Rhule’s New Contract
This announcement caught Suh’s attention, and he turned to his X handle to send the head coach a congratulatory message. The Nebraska legend not only called the move smart but also heaped praise on the program’s current trajectory. But he also didn’t shy away from asking for a Nebraska contract for himself.
“Congratulations and VERY smart move @HuskerFootball for extending the best coach in college football, @CoachMattRhule! Proud of how the program is turning in the right direction. Already bowl eligible this year! Just don’t forget about us little people, too… I’ll take a deal too while we’re at it 😎😂.” Suh wrote.
Suh, who retired from the NFL in 2022, has been vocal about his feelings of giving back to Nebraska football. “I’d say this: I’d love to be more involved,” he recently said.
Suh spent 5 years with the program, even coming closer to winning a Heisman in 2009. So, the Nebraska program might benefit from his NFL experience, and not to mention that he is a beloved face in the community.
What might relieve the Nebraska fans the most is Rhule’s new buyout, which has been bumped up from $5M to $15M. PFSN’s playoff meter also predicts another bowl game for the program with a final projected 7-4 record.
It might drive away the interest from the likes of Penn State, a program that wants to take a bigger leap after firing James Franklin and still holds aspirations of a national championship. Indiana also had to make a similar move earlier to fend off the rival programs’ attempts when they tabled a $93M contract to Curt Cignetti.
With 12 head coaching openings listed in college football right now, it might be a bit early to rule out any name and any college program from making a splash to get the personnel they want.
But with now Rhule effectively out of the picture, Penn State have been linked with Ohio State coordinator Brian Hartline. Other potential names now also include Brian Kelly and Billy Napier.
Meanwhile, Rhule can focus on fixing the offensive line issues, which have resulted in a high number of sacks. Nebraska has allowed 25 sacks through the first 7 games, and it might again hurt them when they welcome USC this Saturday to Lincoln.
