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Struggle to stop the run leads to Nebraska defensive coordinator John Butler’s firing after 1 season

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska first-year defensive coordinator John Butler was fired Monday after the Cornhuskers lost four of their last six games and struggled all season to stop the run.

Coach Matt Rhule named associate head coach Phil Snow the interim defensive coordinator for the Huskers’ bowl game and said he hoped to hire a permanent replacement for Butler in coming weeks.

“We thank John for his contributions to our football program over the past two seasons and wish him the best moving forward in his coaching career,” Rhule said.

FILE - Nebraska defensive coordinator John Butler watches warmups before an NCAA college football game against Northwestern, Oct. 25, 2025, in Lincoln, Neb. (AP Photo/Bonnie Ryan, File)
FILE - Nebraska defensive coordinator John Butler watches warmups before an NCAA college football game against Northwestern, Oct.