Nebraska Football: Fans demand end to Holgorsen era after Washington loss
With a 44-29 pass-to-run ratio and a fourth-quarter collapse, the offensive coordinator is being targeted for his refusal to adapt to the Big 10 grind.
By Pavel Henderson ·
Nebraska fans are calling for an end to the Dana Holgorsen era following the Huskers' loss to Washington, arguing that the offensive coordinator's stubborn adherence to a passing game is costing the program wins. The frustration stems from a fourth-quarter meltdown that mirrored previous defeats, leading supporters to conclude that the current coaching strategy has run its course.
The core of the criticism lies in the offensive balance. Holgorsen's staff completed 44 passes against only 29 rushes, a ratio that critics describe as illogical given the team's strengths. Of those 44 passes, just two were targeted at running backs. Opponents have discovered a simple formula to beat Nebraska: pressure quarterback Colandrea to force errors and then sit in coverage, knowing the coaching staff will likely abandon the running game in critical moments.
Holgorsen's public philosophy has also come under fire. Last week, he described the Big 10 as a race to 21 points. However, recent results against Indiana, Oregon, and Washington suggest the conference is more of a physical slugfest where grinding wears teams down. The Huskers' failure to control the clock and sustain drives has left them vulnerable late in games, a pattern that has repeated throughout the season.
The coaching staff's decision-making in high-pressure situations has been a focal point of debate. With 4th and 18 on the line, Washington's best defensive player was left in single coverage on two consecutive plays. The Huskers failed to exploit that mismatch, allowing the opponent to escape with the victory. Supporters argue that such basic defensive breakdowns are unacceptable for a program of this stature.
Head coach Matt Rhule is currently protected by a contract that includes a $70 million buyout clause, making him a difficult figure to replace. Rhule holds a 2-26 record against ranked opponents, a statistic that has fueled doubts about his ability to turn the program around. The financial barrier has shifted the blame toward Holgorsen, who fans believe is unwilling to adapt his air-ball offense to the physical demands of the conference.
The call for change is immediate. Supporters are demanding that the coaching staff stop relying on deep throws and start emphasizing the run game to control the pace. They view the current approach as a failure that will continue to yield losses in the Big 10. The sentiment is clear: the plan is not working, and the leadership must change before the team's standing deteriorates further.
Source: KOIL
