Nebraska Extends Matt Rhule Through 2032

Nebraska announced a two-year contract extension keeping coach Matt Rhule under contract through the 2032 season. The restructured deal leaves his base salary unchanged, raises his buyout to $15 million, values the two added years at $12.5 million apiece (90% guaranteed if fired), and includes $1 million escalators to his base for each College Football Playoff appearance. Athletic director Troy Dannen said he initiated talks this summer primarily to reset a previously low buyout and protect the program, and that both he and Rhule agreed the coach’s current pay was appropriate. Dannen cited Nebraska’s on-field progress — including back-to-back bowl-eligible seasons and a 6–2 start — as reason to prioritize continuity and stability. With Rhule off the market and Indiana coach Curt Cignetti also signing an extension, Penn State’s search is already pivoting toward other candidates.