Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule drew a firm boundary Monday, declaring he would step away from coaching if it meant shielding his family from abuse after revealing a fan directed profanity at his 13-year-old daughter following Saturday’s defeat to Washington.
The loss marked Nebraska’s third consecutive setback, amplifying frustration among a fan base eager for progress. Yet Rhule emphasized the incident transcended typical game-day hostility.
“I love our fans, but a guy walked up to my 13-year-old daughter and was like, ‘F you and F your dad,'” Rhule told reporters during his weekly press conference. “I’m not going to keep coaching if it means my kids grow up screwed up. I’m not going to coach and see my daughter shook.”
“Yeah, they get passionate, they boo, they throw a bottle. I get all that,” he continued. “I said to my daughter, ‘If daddy’s gotta retire, if I have to retire because I don’t want you guys growing up in that environment…'”
Rhule clarified he has no intention of leaving the program. The perspective shifted after his wife, Julie, asked their daughters whether the scrutiny surrounding their father had become overwhelming.
The couple has two daughters and a son. Their 10-year-old later texted Rhule with a message that resonated deeply.
“She was like: ‘Dad, I love Nebraska. I love living in Nebraska. I love Nebraska football. I love the players. I’m tough. This is just teaching me life lessons. Please don’t quit.'”
The 17-10 loss dropped the Cornhuskers to 5-3 overall and 2-3 in Big Ten play. On Saturday night, Nebraska surrendered a fourth-quarter advantage, prompting boos from the Memorial Stadium crowd and leading some spectators to throw objects, including bottles, onto the field.
Rhule is in his fourth season at the helm of the Nebraska program, compiling a 24-22 record. He previously served as head coach at Temple and Baylor before a stint leading the Carolina Panthers in the NFL.
