What’s it like stepping in as Nebraska’s new offensive coordinator? Taking the reins midseason after three straight losses? You can practically hear the groans and see the raised eyebrows already! But HC Matt Rhule knew the Cornhuskers needed more than good luck to get them by this time. Most of us aren’t old enough to know what Nebraska football was all about, but not Dana Holgorsen, who said, “I grew up 30 minutes south of Iowa City. So I grew up a fan of theirs… I knew what Nebraska football was all about.” But wait till you hear how he was received. 

Despite Dana Holgorsen’s desire to change the fortunes of the Cornhuskers, his first week in Nebraska was anything but welcoming. In a new YouTube episode on Carriker Chronicles on November 27, he came clean on his initial experience as the new OC. The former head coach said, “It was a rough week. The first week was like, I think everybody was like ‘how’s this going to work?’ starting with me and Coach Rhule’s office.”

Rewinding, Dana Holgorsen has been in contact with Matt Rhule since last season. The veteran coach, who served as HC for West Virginia and Houston, wanted a break then. He revealed, “I was bored. I have a great deal of respect for Coach (Matt Rhule). We visited in December and I didn’t think it was fair to him, me or the program at that point. I was tired, I had been through a lot. Just didn’t have to do it at that point and I didn’t feel like I was ready to give it my all.” But circumstances led to the demotion of Marcus Satterfield as he took his place as the new Huskers OC. 

Dana Holgorsen also opened up about the initial struggles he faced as he fumbled with offense and terminology adapting to a new system. But with initial speculation turning to ever-ready help, he said, “[I] give those coaches a lot of credit for welcoming me and working well together. I think we are working well together, as game playing has been great this week. We went out there and had a good practice, executed it, and look forward to getting better tomorrow.” And two games later, Holgorsen’s already proving why he’s one of the best decisions by Rhule. 

Dana Holgorsen boosts Dylan Raiola’s performance 

Whatever Dana Holgorsen is teaching the offense, it seems to be working. Nebraska’s last game against Wisconsin, specifically QB Dylan Raiola, is a testament to it. He finished the game completing 28 of 38 passes for 293 yards and one TD. As Nebraska alum Adam Carriker said, “Raiola has completed 72.3 percent of his passes in his last two games, the two games with Dana Holgorsen as the offensive coordinator.” The game also marked his sixth game this year with 200+ passing yards and the third game with 250+ passing yards. 

The Huskers’ offense dominated with 29 first downs and 33+ minutes of possession. They also converted four of nine third downs, which was largely made possible by Raiola’s composure. His leadership led them to a 44-25 record inside Memorial Stadium, one of their biggest victories of the last decade. This win propelled them to their first bowl appearance since 2016. Is it safe to say that Nebraska is in good hands now? The final Iowa game might decide that.