Hours after Nebraska contract extension, Matt Rhule gets 100% real about Brian Kelly's future in college football

After four years at LSU, head coach Brian Kelly was let go following a humiliating loss to Texas A&M in Week 9 of college football. It marked a decisive move for the program, especially when four more games are left to wrap up the campaign. Kelly's tenure at the university was mired in controversies and a lot of criticism.

He managed to post a combined record of 34-14 and a 19-10 in the conference plays. He struggled to lead the team to playoffs and, above all, failed to satisfy passionate LSU fans who craved 2019-like success when Ed Orgeron was the head coach.

Even though Kelly has lost his job, Nebraska coach Matt Rhule claims Kelly will soon land a new gig.

He emphasized Kelly's past records and his caliber for building formidable rosters. Rhule mentioned that this year is a dream season for coaching candidates with multiple openings in the SEC and Big Ten.

“If he wants to, he’ll get a job again this year because this is going to be a record-breaking year in terms of the amount of jobs that are open and how many candidates there are that are accomplished,” Rhule said on Thursday, per On3.

NCAA Football: Texas A&M at Louisiana State - Source: Imagn

“You got a guy in Coach Kelly who played for a national championship. So if it wasn’t right at LSU, then there’ll be somewhere else that’ll be right for him.

“James Franklin got to the semifinals last year. It wasn’t right at Penn State. It’ll be right for him somewhere else. And, Billy Napier has won at a real high level. He won his last game in Florida,” he added.

Matt Rhule finally shuts down LSU coaching job rumors

Among potential candidates to replace coach Kelly at Louisiana State, Nebraska HC was constantly linked to the top job. Even though he shrugged off any such rumors, experts predicted potential talks behind the doors. However, the Cornhuskers appear to have secured their coach for a few more years.

On Thursday, coach Rhule was offered a contract extension of two more years. This will keep him through the 2032 season and officially end rumors around his potential departure.

This move happened at a very crucial time, especially when Rhule had a stable contract. Expect Nebraska to wrap up 2025 season with at least 10 wins under coach Rhule's leadership

Edited by Deepesh Nair