Nebraska Coach Casula Reportedly Turns Down Massive Panthers Offer, Reaffirms Loyalty to Cornhuskers
In a shocking twist that has sent ripples through both collegiate and professional football circles, Nebraska Cornhuskers tight ends coach and special teams coordinator Ed Foley—often confused with head coach Matt Rhule due to misreported information—has reportedly declined a staggering $30.5 million offer from the Carolina Panthers. Despite rampant rumors fueled by social media misinterpretations, it was not Matt Rhule, the Cornhuskers’ head coach, who received the offer. Instead, according to a brief but firm statement issued by Nebraska Athletics, the Panthers pursued Foley to bring his special teams expertise back to the NFL.
Foley, a seasoned veteran in coaching circles with over 30 years of experience, including NFL stints and work under Rhule at Temple, Baylor, and the Panthers themselves, reportedly received the offer earlier this month. The figure—$30.5 million over five years—would have made him one of the highest-paid special teams coordinators in NFL history. But in a move that shocked analysts and delighted Husker fans, he declined.
In a prepared statement shared by Nebraska’s athletic department, Foley stated, “I came to Nebraska to help build something lasting. What we’re doing here, with Coach Rhule and these players, is special. The NFL is always tempting, but no amount of money can replace the mission we’re on in Lincoln.”
Sources close to the Panthers organization confirmed that Foley was targeted for his innovative approach to special teams schemes and his leadership pedigree. “Foley has a gift for turning around units quickly,” one insider noted. “He helped Carolina’s special teams rank top 5 in efficiency in 2020, and what he’s doing in Lincoln is already making waves.”
Coach Matt Rhule also weighed in to clarify the confusion around the reports. “Just to be clear: I’m not going anywhere. Ed got the offer. And it says a lot about him—and us—that he chose to stay. This is about belief, not just dollars.”
Since Rhule’s arrival at Nebraska, the program has experienced a resurgence of discipline and cohesion. Foley has been instrumental in the Cornhuskers’ drastic improvement in field position, punt coverage, and return game—key factors in several 2024 victories.
Fans and media alike are praising Foley’s loyalty, interpreting his decision as a reflection of Nebraska’s revived culture. “This isn’t the Nebraska of five years ago,” said ESPN analyst Greg McElroy. “This program has teeth again. And keeping guys like Foley proves it.”
As the Cornhuskers gear up for a critical Big Ten season, this moment stands as a milestone: not just a coach turning down a fortune, but a symbolic declaration that Nebraska football is no longer just a stepping stone—it’s a destination.
