Holgorsen Moves to Coaches’ Box as Nebraska Seeks Offensive Answers

Nebraska offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen will move from the sideline to the coaches’ box for the Huskers’ game at Illinois after the team’s third straight loss. His play-calling duties will stay the same, and offensive line coach Geep Wade will join him upstairs. Head coach Matt Rhule said Monday that Holgorsen would remain on staff.

Holgorsen said on November 3 that he hopes the change will give Nebraska an advantage as it tries to improve its scoring. He said the coaches’ box could offer a calmer setting, while sideline coaches continue working with players. Nebraska averaged 43.6 points and 475.6 yards per game through its first five weeks, but the offense has struggled recently.

Holgorsen described the Washington loss as a problem of execution, rather than effort. He said the Huskers played physically up front but missed downfield opportunities. Running back Jamal Rule gained 72 yards on 13 carries, averaging 5.5 yards per attempt. Washington stacked the box, Holgorsen said, prompting decisions about whether to run or pass. He added that quarterback Anthony Colandrea faced a demanding role and was unusually amped up.

Holgorsen also agreed that players were pressing to make plays, saying it was his responsibility to recognize that sooner. Nebraska visits Illinois, which has won three straight, on November 6 at Gies Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Central, with the game airing on FOX.