BREAKING: Nebraska Huskers Officially Announces New Coach

Nebraska Football: Huskers Officially Announce New Defensive Backs Coach John Butler

Less than a week ago, Nebraska’s defensive backs coach Evan Cooper resigned for personal reasons. Today, Nebraska has announced the hiring of John Butler, who will assume the same role as secondary coach and passing game coordinator after serving in the NFL last season.

Butler has spent the past six seasons coaching the secondary for the Buffalo Bills, adding the title of passing game coordinator in 2022. Under his leadership, the Bills’ defense has been one of the best in the NFL, making Butler a promising fit for the Huskers.

Possible Upgrade?

Some might wonder why Butler would move from an NFL job to a college position with the same responsibilities. It appears he might be poised to step in if Tony White, Nebraska’s current defensive coordinator, moves to a new role following another successful season.

Statement from the Athletic Department

Butler Joins Nebraska Football Coaching Staff

John Butler, an experienced assistant coach with a background in both college football and the NFL, has joined Nebraska’s football coaching staff. He will serve as secondary coach and pass game coordinator under Head Coach Matt Rhule.

Butler brings 29 seasons of coaching experience, including 19 years in college football and 10 in the NFL. “John Butler is one of the premier defensive backs coaches in football,” Rhule said. “He has a diverse coaching background and a history of being part of winning organizations and elite defenses at the highest level. He will be an outstanding addition to the Nebraska football program and our defensive staff.”

During his tenure with the Bills, Butler’s defensive backs were instrumental in the team reaching the AFC playoffs for five consecutive seasons and winning the AFC East division for the past four years. “I am excited to join Coach Rhule, this staff, and the great tradition of Nebraska Football and the Blackshirt Defense,” Butler said. “I look forward to working with our players to develop them as players, students, and young men, Day by Day!”

Butler’s Coaching Background

Butler spent his first four seasons in Buffalo as the defensive backs coach before adding the passing game coordinator title the past two seasons. His secondary included All-Pro selections cornerback Tre’Davious White and safety Jordan Poyer, with safety Micah Hyde and nickel Taron Johnson earning second-team honors.

Under Butler’s guidance, Buffalo’s defense led the NFL in multiple categories, including total yards per game, passing yards per game, and opponent passer rating. The defense’s performance helped the Bills secure at least 11 wins in four of the past six seasons.

Before his time in Buffalo, Butler was the secondary coach for the Houston Texans from 2014 to 2017, where he contributed to the team’s strong defensive performances and AFC South titles. His tenure in college football includes positions at Penn State, South Carolina, Minnesota, Harvard, Texas State, Midwestern State, and Texas.

Butler’s Coaching History

NFL

• Buffalo Bills 2022-23: Defensive Backs/Passing Game Coordinator
• Buffalo Bills 2018-21: Defensive Backs
• Houston Texans 2014-17: Secondary

College

• Penn State 2013: Defensive Coordinator/Cornerbacks
• Penn State 2012: Secondary
• South Carolina 2011: Special Teams Coordinator/Outside Linebackers
• Minnesota 2007-10: Special Teams Coordinator/Linebackers
• Harvard 2003-06: Special Teams Coordinator/Linebackers
• Texas State 2001-02: Special Teams Coordinator/Safeties
• Midwestern State 1999-00: Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers/Safeties
• Texas 1997-98: Graduate Assistant
• Catholic University 1996: Defensive Coordinator/Secondary
• Catholic University 1995: Secondary

With such a comprehensive coaching background, Butler is well-equipped to contribute significantly to Nebraska’s defensive unit.