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Nebraska football’s defensive coordinator John Butler fired

By Aaron Bonderson , Reporter/Producer Nebraska Public Media

Dec. 1, 2025, noon ·

Tunnel walk against UCLA: players entering the field with red and white smoke blowing around them.
Nebraska's tunnel walk against UCLA on Nov. 2, 2024. (Photo by Aaron Bonderson)

Husker head football coach Matt Rhule said Monday defensive coordinator John Butler was cut from the staff.

“I informed John Butler earlier today that he will not be retained as defensive coordinator effective immediately,” Rhule said in a press release. “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. Phil Snow will serve as the interim defensive coordinator for our upcoming bowl game. We will work toward naming a new defensive coordinator for the 2026 season in the coming weeks.”

John Butler
John Butler

Butler coached defensive backs in 2024 and was promoted this season to lead the defense.

The Big Red finished the 2025 campaign 7-5, including back-to-back blowout losses to Penn State and Iowa, in which Nebraska gave up 37 and 40 points, respectively.

Butler’s defense finished the regular season ranked 2nd nationally in passing yards allowed per contest, surrendering just 141 yards per game. Nebraska’s rushing defense, however, ranks 14th in the Big Ten and 97th nationally allowing more than 171 yards per game.