John Butler replaces Tony White as Nebraska's defensive coordinator
- John Butler has been appointed as the new defensive coordinator at Nebraska, following the exit of Tony White.
- Butler brings significant experience, having previously worked in the NFL and at power-conference schools.
- His promotion reflects confidence in his ability to lead and enhance the defensive performance of the Cornhuskers.
In Lincoln, Nebraska, on December 11, 2024, John Butler was officially promoted from his role as secondary coach to the position of defensive coordinator for the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team. This announcement was made by head coach Matt Rhule, following the departure of Tony White, who recently accepted a similar position at Florida State. Butler, who is 51 years old, joined the Cornhuskers' staff in July after serving six seasons as a defensive assistant with the Buffalo Bills in the NFL. His significant experience includes two seasons at Penn State, where he was the defensive coordinator in 2013. Under his guidance, Nebraska's defense ranked in the top 20 nationally for rushing defense, total defense, and scoring defense in the recent season. Butler's impact was clear during his first season, as the Huskers achieved notable successes on defense, including three interception returns for touchdowns, the highest number since 2013. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity given to him by Coach Rhule and emphasized his commitment to Nebraska's storied tradition of strong defensive play, known as the Blackshirt tradition. Butler shared that before joining the team, he recognized Nebraska's special football culture, and his expectations have only been exceeded since his arrival. With a strong emphasis on developing the defensive unit, Butler plans to enhance the skills of the players both on and off the field. His prior successful experiences as a defensive coordinator in the competitive Big Ten Conference underscore his capability to lead Nebraska's defense. Butler's promotion marks a significant change for the Cornhuskers, as they aim to build on their recent defensive records and continue to strengthen their overall team performance. The program now looks towards a future where Butler's leadership could lead to continued success in college football. Overall, the hiring of John Butler as the defensive coordinator signifies a strategic move by the Nebraska football program to reinforce its defensive strategy and capitalize on his past experiences and successes within high-pressure environments.