BIG Congratulations to Nebraska cornhusker head coach Matt Rahul Name Paul Bear Bryant the best coach of the year Award Edged out of the 8 others coach

In an exciting turn of events, Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule has been named the winner of the prestigious Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year Award, edging out eight other highly accomplished coaches for the honor. This recognition solidifies Rhule’s remarkable coaching journey and his ability to lead teams to success, particularly after an impressive turnaround with the Nebraska football program.

The Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year Award

The Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year Award is one of the most prestigious individual honors a college football coach can receive. Named in honor of the legendary Alabama head coach Paul “Bear” Bryant, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest football minds in history, the award is given annually to the best coach in college football based on their achievements throughout the season. The award is unique because it not only takes into account a team’s performance on the field but also their ability to overcome adversity, build a successful program, and inspire their players.

The award is voted on by a selection committee that includes former players, coaches, and media members, and the winner is often regarded as the most outstanding coach in the nation. Rhule’s victory in 2025 is particularly noteworthy given the impressive pool of nominees, each with a standout season in their own right.

Matt Rhule’s Journey to Nebraska

Before his success at Nebraska, Matt Rhule had already established himself as a highly respected coach with a reputation for rebuilding struggling programs. Rhule made his mark as a head coach at Temple University, where he took over a struggling team and transformed them into a competitive force in the American Athletic Conference (AAC). His success at Temple led to his hiring at Baylor University, where he inherited a team in disarray following a scandal and subsequent coaching changes. At Baylor, Rhule continued to prove his ability to rebuild, leading the Bears to a Big 12 Championship appearance in 2019 and making them a national contender.

Rhule’s reputation as a turnaround specialist was key to his hiring by Nebraska, which had been struggling for years to regain its past glory. The Cornhuskers had not experienced a winning season since 2016, and the program was in need of a leader who could bring stability, discipline, and success. When Rhule took over as head coach in 2023, expectations were high but tempered by the realization that rebuilding a historic program would take time.

Rhule’s Impact in Year One at Nebraska

In just his first season at Nebraska, Rhule quickly demonstrated why he was regarded as one of the top coaches in the nation. Despite facing the typical challenges that come with taking over a struggling program, Rhule’s Cornhuskers showed significant improvement both on the field and off. The team showed increased discipline, resilience, and a renewed sense of pride and accountability under Rhule’s leadership.

Rhule’s impact was immediately visible in Nebraska’s performances. The Cornhuskers had several signature wins during the season, including key victories against ranked opponents, marking the team’s return to relevance in the Big Ten Conference. His leadership style, focused on building a strong team culture, instilling mental toughness, and emphasizing the fundamentals of football, was evident in the way his team played—tough, disciplined, and with a high level of execution.

Rhule’s success was also highlighted by the impressive development of key players on both sides of the ball. Nebraska’s offense, which had been inconsistent in recent years, showed remarkable growth under Rhule’s offensive system. Quarterback play improved significantly, and the offensive line became one of the stronger units in the conference. On defense, Nebraska became more aggressive and opportunistic, creating turnovers and limiting big plays, which was a key factor in many of their victories.

In addition to on-field success, Rhule’s impact was felt in the locker room and in the recruiting trail. He quickly established a reputation as a player’s coach who was focused on building strong relationships with his athletes. His ability to connect with players, motivate them, and get the most out of them was a central factor in his success during his first season.

A Crowded Field of Nominees

Rhule’s win came in a highly competitive field, with eight other coaches receiving nominations for the Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year Award. Among the other finalists were coaches who had similarly exceptional seasons with their respective programs, making the decision to award Rhule all the more significant.

One of the top contenders for the award was Alabama’s Nick Saban, who continued to solidify his legacy as one of the greatest college football coaches of all time. Saban led the Crimson Tide to another dominant season, and his program remained among the nation’s elite, even in the face of tough competition in the SEC.

Another standout was Georgia’s Kirby Smart, who led the Bulldogs to an undefeated season and another College Football Playoff appearance. Smart’s program has been a dominant force in college football, and his continued success at Georgia was a strong case for his inclusion among the finalists.

Other nominees included coaches like Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh, who led the Wolverines to a Big Ten title and a spot in the College Football Playoff, as well as Florida State’s Mike Norvell, who guided the Seminoles to a resurgent season. Coaches from other successful programs, such as Ohio State, Texas, and Washington, also had strong cases based on their teams’ performances throughout the year.

Despite the strong competition, Matt Rhule’s ability to revitalize a Nebraska program that had been floundering for years gave him the edge. His remarkable turnaround in just one season made a lasting impact, not just on the program, but on the entire college football landscape.

A Historic Moment for Nebraska Football

Rhule’s victory in winning the Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year Award is a historic moment for Nebraska football. It represents a significant step forward for a program that has been searching for stability and success since the days of legendary coaches like Tom Osborne. The award is a testament to Rhule’s ability to quickly change the trajectory of the program, inspire his players, and establish a foundation for sustained success.

Looking ahead, Matt Rhule’s future at Nebraska appears bright. His success in his first season has set a high bar for future seasons, and expectations are only going to increase as he continues to recruit top talent and develop a championship-caliber team. For Nebraska fans, the Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year Award is a signal that their beloved Cornhuskers are on the right path under Rhule’s leadership, and that the program is poised for a return to national prominence.

In conclusion, Matt Rhule’s achievement in winning the Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year Award is a well-deserved recognition of his hard work, leadership, and ability to turn Nebraska football around in record time. His impressive first season has not only brought hope back to the Cornhuskers but has also established him as one of the top coaches in college football today. As the Nebraska program continues to grow under his guidance, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see just how far Rhule can take the Cornhuskers in the coming years.