Nebraska Cornhuskers coach Matt Rhule recognizes what's in front of him: a critical assessment of his football program after underachieving this season.
Rhule kept it simple Wednesday during National Signing Day: it starts and ends with his leadership.
“I think people have a right to be upset with the way it ended” Rhule said. “For me, all I can say is that I have some of the best recruits here today. I’m going to continue to work as hard as I can and as long as I can, and I’m going to surround myself with some really positive people. Not toxic people. I’m just going to continue to try and move the program forward.”
Rhule said he recognizes the agony Cornhusker fans face on a yearly basis. But disrespect, or "toxic" behavior, as Rhule put it, is unacceptable.
"But if I’m a fan right now, I’m mad," Rhule said. "I’m walking off the field and some people are supportive, and good for them. They’re passionate about this place. I love being the head coach of Nebraska. I love being at Nebraska, because people are passionate about this. So I don’t want it to be hope. It just wasn’t good enough, man. Today just has to be that. Don’t be super toxic to the players though, put it on me.”
In a nutshell, Rhule recognizes he has a lot of eork ahead of him.
"I’m pissed off at myself. But, I know where we’re headed. I know what we’re doing and that we’re moving forward, and I believe in what we’re doing and that the recruits are bought into us. I don’t want to overreact, but these last two games weren’t good enough.”
Whether Rhule fills the cracks is a different story, though.