Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule is asking fans to keep their frustration with the Cornhuskers away from his family after an ugly incident following Saturday’s loss to Washington.
During his Monday press conference, Rhule revealed that a Nebraska fan approached his 13-year-old daughter following the Huskers’ 17-10 loss and cursed at her over the team’s performance.
The incident came as frustration continues to build around Nebraska, which has now lost three consecutive games.
Rhule made it clear that criticism comes with his job as head coach. But he also drew a line when it comes to his family.
“I’m not gonna keep coaching if it means my kids are gonna grow up screwed up,” Rhule said.
Rhule explained that the incident was also one of the reasons he wasn’t immediately aware that quarterback Anthony Colandrea did not speak with reporters following the loss.
Despite what happened, Rhule said he isn’t backing away from Nebraska fans and understands their frustration. But he also emphasized that his family will come first.
His daughters apparently aren’t asking their father to walk away anytime soon.
“My daughters are like, ‘What are you talking about? We’re tough,'” Rhule said.
Nebraska’s latest loss only added to the pressure surrounding the program.
The Cornhuskers led Washington before giving up 10 points in the fourth quarter, including a late pick-six that helped seal the Huskies’ 17-10 victory. It marked Nebraska’s third consecutive loss, with those three defeats coming by a combined 13 points. The Huskers are 5-3, and while the three losses have been close, they’ve stung, falling against Indiana, Oregon and Washington.
After the game, Rhule acknowledged the frustration surrounding the program and took responsibility for Nebraska’s continued struggles in close games.
“I certainly understand how frustrated everyone is,” Rhule said Saturday night. “I obviously feel it too. I’m responsible for it.”
Rhule and Nebraska now have a short turnaround before traveling to Illinois for a Friday night matchup.
But on Monday, the football conversation briefly took a back seat to something far more personal — and Rhule made it clear that criticism of Nebraska football should stay away from his kids.
