Nebraska football coach Matt Rhule addressed the media on Monday afternoon, as rumors have been swirling regarding the open Penn State head coaching job. The coach addressed these rumors as the Huskers get set to take on the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Friday.
Rhule has been connected with the job due to his affiliation with the program. He played for Penn State under the legendary Joe Paterno from 1994 to 1997. During that time, the program posted a 41-8 record.
Now, he’s being connected to Penn State once again, as the program looks to replace James Franklin. He discussed his love for Nebraska, as well as a bit of his future, when he met with the media, as transcribed by HuskerOnline’s Steve Sipple.
“Troy (Dannen) and I are in an unbelievable relationship, too, and Troy and I are in constant communication about this program and where we are heading. I came here for two reasons. I love the community here and wanted to live here, and I love it here. And, I wanted to rebuild Nebraska football. Troy and I understand the steps you need to take to make us Big Ten champions and national champions.”
Rhule also mentioned that he’s dealt with these kinds of rumors before, but that he will not be commenting on them any further.
“This place is elite. I want to be a great father, and I want to be a great college football coach. I’m not going to talk about job openings when they come. Maybe it’s been awhile here, but this is what happens when you win. We’ve won at Temple and I dealt with it there. Dealt with it at Baylor. I’m not going to talk about those things ever. I’m not going to talk about my contract here, I’m going to talk about the team.”
It’s hard to predict what will happen at the end of the season. As for now, the Huskers are looking to take the next step as a program. They currently sit at 5-1 on the season and are looking for that sixth win on Friday to make them bowl-eligible.
It shouldn’t be a surprise that Rhule loves Penn State, as it is his alma mater. It also should be no surprise if these rumors continue to swirl throughout the course of the season. Time will tell what happens, but it’s clear that the coach loves the Huskers and the state of Nebraska.
Contact/Follow us @CornhuskersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Nebraska news, notes and opinions.
