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DC Candidates

HuskerGarrett said:
We will use this thread for any new inside information that comes in
Click to expand...
Old School Reaction GIF
 

Some new names on this list. Curious what some of your thoughts are with any of these guys. Are there other names missing from this list? For those in the know, who do you want? I would prefer that we get back to a 40 front defense but I don't have really any preference on any of these guys.​




Updated for December 2025



Tier 1 — Big Swing / National Names​


1. Jim Leonhard​


Why he fits:


  • One of the best defensive minds in college football over the last decade.
  • Proven developer of elite secondaries and complex but teachable schemes.
  • Rhule values NFL experience — Leonhard brings both.

Pros: Immediate credibility, great with DBs, adaptable.
Cons: Expensive; may prefer NFL.



2. Justin Wilcox​


Why he fits:


  • Just finished a long run as Cal’s head coach — seeking a fresh role.
  • One of the most respected DCs of the 2010s (Boise St, Washington, USC, Wisconsin).
  • Scheme fits Big Ten toughness.

Pros: High-floor hire; experienced leader.
Cons: Might want another head-coach job rather than coordinator.



3. Jim Knowles​


Why he fits:


  • Elite track record: Oklahoma State (top-10), Ohio State (best defense in country).
  • Wins immediately with discipline, simplicity, and fundamentals.
  • Could want a reset after recent moves.

Pros: Proven elite production.
Cons: Very high salary tier.



Tier 2 — Strong, Realistic Power-Conference Options​


4. Joe Rossi​


Why he fits:


  • Turned Minnesota into a top-15 defense.
  • Excellent with LB development and run defense — Nebraska’s biggest need.
  • Conservative, fundamentally sound Big Ten style.

Pros: Culture fit; affordable; proven.
Cons: Less splashy than top names.



5. Tony White (if he leaves Florida State/Nebraska movement reshuffles)​


Why he fits:


  • 3-3-5 mastermind; aggressive, unique system.
  • Excellent against spread and tempo offenses.

Pros: Creative, modern, player-friendly.
Cons: Scheme change would be drastic; roster fit uncertain.



6. Derek Mason​


Why he fits:


  • Former Vanderbilt HC, Auburn DC, Stanford DC, Oklahoma State DC.
  • Veteran leader, fundamentally excellent against the run.

Pros: Stability, discipline.
Cons: Scheme sometimes considered conservative.



Tier 3 — Up-and-Coming Potential Home-Run Hires​


7. Shiel Wood (Troy → Tulane)​


Why he fits:


  • Built Troy into a top-5 national defense.
  • Fast rise; well-regarded for modern pressures and disguises.

Pros: Young, hungry, trendy defensive mind.
Cons: No Big Ten experience.



8. Aaron Henry (Illinois DC)​


Why he fits:


  • Ryan Walters disciple — produced elite DBs and strong run defenses.
  • Knows the Big Ten West blueprint well.

Pros: Recruiting chops, player-developer.
Cons: Still young; may be loyal to Walters tree.



Tier 4 — Experienced / Rhule-Tree Options​


9. Phil Snow (Nebraska interim DC)​


Why he fits:


  • Rhule’s longtime right-hand defensive mind (Temple, Baylor, Carolina Panthers).
  • Already in-house; understands Rhule’s system and culture.

Pros: Familiarity, continuity for players.
Cons: Age + recruiting concerns; likely not a long-term solution.



10. Elijah Robinson (former Texas A&M interim HC, big Rhule connection)​


Why he fits:


  • Elite recruiter + DL coach; Rhule trusts him deeply.
  • Would upgrade trenches instantly — Nebraska’s biggest need.

Pros: Massive recruiting upgrade; Big Ten defensive style.
Cons: Not a play-caller; would need structure around him.



⭐​


If we narrow to the most probable and realistic:


1. Joe Rossi​


2. Justin Wilcox​


3. Jim Leonhard​


4. Phil Snow​


5. Derek Mason​

6. Bo Pelini
 
Last edited:
Cavalot said:

5. Tony White (if he leaves Syracuse/Nebraska movement reshuffles)​


Why he fits:


  • 3-3-5 mastermind; aggressive, unique system.
  • Excellent against spread and tempo offenses.

Pros: Creative, modern, player-friendly.
Cons: Scheme change would be drastic; roster fit uncertain.
Click to expand...
Question Mark What GIF by MOODMAN


What's the Syracuse connection?
 
Cavalot said:

Some new names on this list. Curious what some of your thoughts are with any of these guys. Are there other names missing from this list? For those in the know, who do you want? I would prefer that we get back to a 40 front defense but I don't have really any preference on any of these guys.​




Updated for December 2025



Tier 1 — Big Swing / National Names​


1. Jim Leonhard​


Why he fits:


  • One of the best defensive minds in college football over the last decade.
  • Proven developer of elite secondaries and complex but teachable schemes.
  • Rhule values NFL experience — Leonhard brings both.

Pros: Immediate credibility, great with DBs, adaptable.
Cons: Expensive; may prefer NFL.



2. Justin Wilcox​


Why he fits:


  • Just finished a long run as Cal’s head coach — seeking a fresh role.
  • One of the most respected DCs of the 2010s (Boise St, Washington, USC, Wisconsin).
  • Scheme fits Big Ten toughness.

Pros: High-floor hire; experienced leader.
Cons: Might want another head-coach job rather than coordinator.



3. Jim Knowles​


Why he fits:


  • Elite track record: Oklahoma State (top-10), Ohio State (best defense in country).
  • Wins immediately with discipline, simplicity, and fundamentals.
  • Could want a reset after recent moves.

Pros: Proven elite production.
Cons: Very high salary tier.



Tier 2 — Strong, Realistic Power-Conference Options​


4. Joe Rossi​


Why he fits:


  • Turned Minnesota into a top-15 defense.
  • Excellent with LB development and run defense — Nebraska’s biggest need.
  • Conservative, fundamentally sound Big Ten style.

Pros: Culture fit; affordable; proven.
Cons: Less splashy than top names.



5. Tony White (if he leaves Syracuse/Nebraska movement reshuffles)​


Why he fits:


  • 3-3-5 mastermind; aggressive, unique system.
  • Excellent against spread and tempo offenses.

Pros: Creative, modern, player-friendly.
Cons: Scheme change would be drastic; roster fit uncertain.



6. Derek Mason​


Why he fits:


  • Former Vanderbilt HC, Auburn DC, Stanford DC, Oklahoma State DC.
  • Veteran leader, fundamentally excellent against the run.

Pros: Stability, discipline.
Cons: Scheme sometimes considered conservative.



Tier 3 — Up-and-Coming Potential Home-Run Hires​


7. Shiel Wood (Troy → Tulane)​


Why he fits:


  • Built Troy into a top-5 national defense.
  • Fast rise; well-regarded for modern pressures and disguises.

Pros: Young, hungry, trendy defensive mind.
Cons: No Big Ten experience.



8. Aaron Henry (Illinois DC)​


Why he fits:


  • Ryan Walters disciple — produced elite DBs and strong run defenses.
  • Knows the Big Ten West blueprint well.

Pros: Recruiting chops, player-developer.
Cons: Still young; may be loyal to Walters tree.



Tier 4 — Experienced / Rhule-Tree Options​


9. Phil Snow (Nebraska interim DC)​


Why he fits:


  • Rhule’s longtime right-hand defensive mind (Temple, Baylor, Carolina Panthers).
  • Already in-house; understands Rhule’s system and culture.

Pros: Familiarity, continuity for players.
Cons: Age + recruiting concerns; likely not a long-term solution.



10. Elijah Robinson (former Texas A&M interim HC, big Rhule connection)​


Why he fits:


  • Elite recruiter + DL coach; Rhule trusts him deeply.
  • Would upgrade trenches instantly — Nebraska’s biggest need.

Pros: Massive recruiting upgrade; Big Ten defensive style.
Cons: Not a play-caller; would need structure around him.



⭐​


If we narrow to the most probable and realistic:


1. Joe Rossi​


2. Justin Wilcox​


3. Jim Leonhard​


4. Phil Snow​


5. Derek Mason​

Click to expand...
Florida Lead GIF
 
Quint said:
More AI shit.

Apparently AI isn’t aware he’s not at Syracuse anymore?

The Jim Leonard thing is cracking me up. Leave a likely DC job in Denver to tie himself to a coach who could be on the hot seat at the end of next year. Sounds like a very sound business decision.
Click to expand...
So no Jim Leonard. Gotcha. Who do you think it will be. And yes I realize that Tony White isn't at syracuse. Don't care. There are people on here that don't follow this very closely so having something attached to a name is at least helpful.
 
Cavalot said:
So no Jim Leonard. Gotcha. Who do you think it will be. And yes I realize that Tony White isn't at syracuse. Don't care. There are people on here that don't follow this very closely so having something attached to a name is at least helpful.
Click to expand...
Yes, properly linking Tony White to Florida State will make that suggestion helpful.


Straight Face Trying Not To Laugh GIF
 
Cavalot said:
So no Jim Leonard. Gotcha. Who do you think it will be. And yes I realize that Tony White isn't at syracuse. Don't care. There are people on here that don't follow this very closely so having something attached to a name is at least helpful.
Click to expand...

Who do I think it will be? Honestly, with Rhule I have no clue who he’s talking to or what direction he’s headed in.

He has connections he’s gone back to in previous hires, but I’m hoping he branches out and goes after someone with a proven track record and shared philosophy rather than time on staff together. Depending on how the shit show in Happy Valley turns out, Knowles may actually be a viable option. He may not be interested in sticking around to work with who they eventually bring in. That said, we really have to have someone in the fold before Christmas. Realistically the end of next week, to give them a shot at evaluating what we’ve got and wooing potential transfers in. Portal opens January 2nd and the DC needs to be announced, front facing and hot on the trail of what we need to flip the script on that side of the ball. A failure in my mind would be to wait until after bowl season to make this happen, even if the guy you’re chasing is still coaching. That may be a big ask, but aside from Knowles, I don’t know who’s really available that would be coveted by Rhule.
 
Quint said:
Who do I think it will be? Honestly, with Rhule I have no clue who he’s talking to or what direction he’s headed in.

He has connections he’s gone back to in previous hires, but I’m hoping he branches out and goes after someone with a proven track record and shared philosophy rather than time on staff together. Depending on how the shit show in Happy Valley turns out, Knowles may actually be a viable option. He may not be interested in sticking around to work with who they eventually bring in. That said, we really have to have someone in the fold before Christmas. Realistically the end of next week, to give them a shot at evaluating what we’ve got and wooing potential transfers in. Portal opens January 2nd and the DC needs to be announced, front facing and hot on the trail of what we need to flip the script on that side of the ball. A failure in my mind would be to wait until after bowl season to make this happen, even if the guy you’re chasing is still coaching. That may be a big ask, but aside from Knowles, I don’t know who’s really available that would be coveted by Rhule.
Click to expand...
Spot on.

I believe we need a 40 front guy or at the very least a 34 front with heavier OLB's that can walk up and play the LOS. I really don't care who we get as long as we stop aligning in a way that leaves us out leveraged. I don't know who that is.

I do know that we have to have some stability/continuity going forward. 3 DC's in 4 years is not a recipe for success.
 
Cavalot said:

Some new names on this list. Curious what some of your thoughts are with any of these guys. Are there other names missing from this list? For those in the know, who do you want? I would prefer that we get back to a 40 front defense but I don't have really any preference on any of these guys.​




Updated for December 2025



Tier 1 — Big Swing / National Names​


1. Jim Leonhard​


Why he fits:


  • One of the best defensive minds in college football over the last decade.
  • Proven developer of elite secondaries and complex but teachable schemes.
  • Rhule values NFL experience — Leonhard brings both.

Pros: Immediate credibility, great with DBs, adaptable.
Cons: Expensive; may prefer NFL.



2. Justin Wilcox​


Why he fits:


  • Just finished a long run as Cal’s head coach — seeking a fresh role.
  • One of the most respected DCs of the 2010s (Boise St, Washington, USC, Wisconsin).
  • Scheme fits Big Ten toughness.

Pros: High-floor hire; experienced leader.
Cons: Might want another head-coach job rather than coordinator.



3. Jim Knowles​


Why he fits:


  • Elite track record: Oklahoma State (top-10), Ohio State (best defense in country).
  • Wins immediately with discipline, simplicity, and fundamentals.
  • Could want a reset after recent moves.

Pros: Proven elite production.
Cons: Very high salary tier.



Tier 2 — Strong, Realistic Power-Conference Options​


4. Joe Rossi​


Why he fits:


  • Turned Minnesota into a top-15 defense.
  • Excellent with LB development and run defense — Nebraska’s biggest need.
  • Conservative, fundamentally sound Big Ten style.

Pros: Culture fit; affordable; proven.
Cons: Less splashy than top names.



5. Tony White (if he leaves Florida State/Nebraska movement reshuffles)​


Why he fits:


  • 3-3-5 mastermind; aggressive, unique system.
  • Excellent against spread and tempo offenses.

Pros: Creative, modern, player-friendly.
Cons: Scheme change would be drastic; roster fit uncertain.



6. Derek Mason​


Why he fits:


  • Former Vanderbilt HC, Auburn DC, Stanford DC, Oklahoma State DC.
  • Veteran leader, fundamentally excellent against the run.

Pros: Stability, discipline.
Cons: Scheme sometimes considered conservative.



Tier 3 — Up-and-Coming Potential Home-Run Hires​


7. Shiel Wood (Troy → Tulane)​


Why he fits:


  • Built Troy into a top-5 national defense.
  • Fast rise; well-regarded for modern pressures and disguises.

Pros: Young, hungry, trendy defensive mind.
Cons: No Big Ten experience.



8. Aaron Henry (Illinois DC)​


Why he fits:


  • Ryan Walters disciple — produced elite DBs and strong run defenses.
  • Knows the Big Ten West blueprint well.

Pros: Recruiting chops, player-developer.
Cons: Still young; may be loyal to Walters tree.



Tier 4 — Experienced / Rhule-Tree Options​


9. Phil Snow (Nebraska interim DC)​


Why he fits:


  • Rhule’s longtime right-hand defensive mind (Temple, Baylor, Carolina Panthers).
  • Already in-house; understands Rhule’s system and culture.

Pros: Familiarity, continuity for players.
Cons: Age + recruiting concerns; likely not a long-term solution.



10. Elijah Robinson (former Texas A&M interim HC, big Rhule connection)​


Why he fits:


  • Elite recruiter + DL coach; Rhule trusts him deeply.
  • Would upgrade trenches instantly — Nebraska’s biggest need.

Pros: Massive recruiting upgrade; Big Ten defensive style.
Cons: Not a play-caller; would need structure around him.



⭐​


If we narrow to the most probable and realistic:


1. Joe Rossi​


2. Justin Wilcox​


3. Jim Leonhard​


4. Phil Snow​


5. Derek Mason​

6. Bo Pelini
Click to expand...
This has to be a troll. No way is someone this potato.
 
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