John Butler officially joins Nebraska football coaching staff

Butler will replace Evan Cooper, who resigned last week citing ‘personal reasons.’

The Nebraska Cornhuskers officially announced the hiring of John Butler as the football team’s new secondary coach and pass game coordinator. Butler will replace Evan Cooper, who resigned last week citing ‘personal reasons.’

The new Husker coach spent the last six seasons with the Buffalo Bills before stepping down in February 2024. Head coach Matt Rhule is excited for Nebraska’s newest addition.

“John Butler is one of the premier defensive backs coaches in football. He has a diverse coaching background and a history of being part of winning organizations and elite defenses at the highest level of football. He will be an outstanding addition to the Nebraska football program and our defensive staff.”

He stepped down from his post with the Bills in February of 2024, citing a desire to become a defensive coordinator. Butler told The Athletic that the split was completely amicable.

“There doesn’t have to be a crazy story behind it. I just want to run a defense in the NFL or college football. I want that opportunity, and I don’t want to wait.”

Butler also coached the Houston Texans from 2014 to 2017 and was the defensive coordinator of Penn State in 2013.

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