Nebraska fires Donovan Raiola in move that could have ripple affect

Nebraska football head coach Matt Rhule fired offensive line Donovan Raiola on Saturday, according to Pete Nakos of On3.com.

The uncle of starting quarterback Dylan Raiola, as well as the brother of Nebraska football great Dominic Raiola, has been the offensive line coach for the past four seasons.

However, this season and each season, the offensive line struggled. In five losses, it allowed 21 sacks. Michigan beat Nebraska for eight sacks. Minnesota had nine. Nebraska football lost both games.

Rhule fired defensive coordinator John Butler earlier this week. You wondered if there would be other changes. Rhule may have been waiting for signing day to conclude. Who knows why it took so long, but the move has been made.

What happens next for Nebraska football?

Rhule needs to find a proven O-line coach. Just like he needs a proven defensive coordinator, he needs to invest in the best offensive line coach money can buy. Hopefully, he finds a coach who has been doing it for decades. A true technician.

Whether that person comes from the NFL or college doesn’t really matter. Dana Holgorsen should have some say, but in terms of positions coaches, it doesn’t get more important than offensive and defensive line, especially at a place like Nebraska, where the trenches have not been good enough.

This is Rhule acknowledging that. What will that mean for Dylan Raiola? Only time will tell.

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