Now we have a number.
On Saturday, former Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule was officially named the new head coach of the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers. And despite things not working out in the former of those two titles, everyone involved will have some pretty happy pockets.
As reported by NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport this morning, Rhule is slated to rake in $72 million over his eight-year pact in Lincoln. That, in turn, will “offset the vast majority” of the $34 million owner David Tepper owes the 47-year-old and former fellow short-order cook.
When Nebraska hired Matt Rhule, they did more than just set up their future — they also offset the vast majority of the $34M the #Panthers still owed him. This was the thought when CAR hired Rhule. If he didn't work out, they would be covered. He'll make $72M over 8 in Nebraska.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 27, 2022
When the Panthers dismissed Rhule back on Oct. 10, they were still holding on to approximately $40 million of his seven-year $62 million tab. Now that he’ll be bringing in a hefty sum back down in the college ranks, the dollar-for-dollar credit in the agreement with Carolina will take effect—as Nebraska essentially takes over on Rhule’s salary.
The contract is also a testament to how much the game means to Rhule, who could’ve earned that $40 million just by sitting on his keister at home for the next four and a half seasons. But now, he’ll have to work for it.
