Matt Rhule threatens to retire after fan curses at 13-year-old daughter

Matt Rhule has threatened to retire from coaching if it means protecting his children, after he claimed a Nebraska fan verbally accosted his 13-year-old daughter following the Cornhuskers’ loss to Washington. According to the New York Post ^[1], Rhule told reporters that a man walked up to his daughter and said, "F you and F your dad," an incident that occurred amidst growing frustration with the team's performance.

The 17-10 defeat to Washington was Nebraska’s third straight loss, a pattern of blowing late leads that has tested the patience of fans in Lincoln. ESPN reported ^[2] that the Huskers were up 7-3 with under two minutes to play before the Huskies converted a critical fourth-and-18 and secured the win. Rhule acknowledged that while he accepts the passion, booing, and occasional bottle-throwing that come with high-stakes college football, the personal attack on his child changed the dynamic.

"I’m not going to keep coaching if it means my kids grow up screwed up," Rhule said, according to the New York Post ^[1]. He clarified that he had discussed the situation with his wife, Julie, and their three children, noting that the couple has two daughters and a son. The family dynamic was tested, with the high-profile coaching life becoming too much for some to bear.

However, the coach found renewed resolve in his youngest child. Rhule shared that his 10-year-old daughter texted him, urging him not to quit. She wrote, "Dad, I love Nebraska. I love living in Nebraska. I love Nebraska football. I love the players. I’m tough. This is just teaching me life lessons. Please don’t quit," as reported by the New York Post ^[1].

Rhule emphasized that he is not leaving the program. "I'm going to fight for the people who give money to the program... I'm not going to worry about the person who wants to cuss out my daughter," he said, per ESPN ^[2]. He urged players, staff, and fans to remain "steady in the boat" as they prepare to face Illinois. He also defended offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen, calling him one of the best offensive minds of his generation, despite criticism over the play-calling in the loss.