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Nebraska Moves to Fire Offensive Line Coach Donovan Raiola

by Alexandra Hartman Editor-in-Chief

Breaking: Nebraska Expected To Move On From Donovan Raiola As Questions Swirl Around Dylan Raiola

Published: 2025-12-06

Breaking News. Multiple reports Indicate That Nebraska Is Preparing To Dismiss Offensive Line Coach Donovan Raiola After A Run With The Program That Began In 2022.

Donovan Raiola Is The Uncle Of Nebraska Sophomore Quarterback Dylan Raiola. The Coaching Change Comes Amid Speculation About The Quarterback’s Future In Lincoln And As The Team navigates The Aftermath Of A Season-Ending Injury.

What we certainly no Now

Donovan Raiola Served As Nebraska’s Offensive line Coach As 2022. Prior To Joining The Cornhuskers Staff, He Worked With The Chicago Bears From 2018 To 2021.

The Expected Departure Follows Rumblings That Dylan Raiola Might Explore Options Outside Nebraska. Head Coach matt Rhule Has Said He was Not Aware Of The Reported Transfer Talk And Has Declined To Discuss Individual Players Publicly While Praising The Quarterback’s Commitment To Rehab.

Injury And Player Status

Dylan Raiola suffered A Broken Fibula On Nov. 1 against USC And Was Believed To Be Out For The Remainder Of The 2025 Season.

Before The Injury, Raiola Had Passed For 2,000 Yards This Season With 18 Touchdowns And Six Interceptions. His Career Totals At Nebraska Stand At 4,819 Yards, 31 Touchdowns, And 17 Interceptions Across 22 Games.

Background And Family Ties

Dylan Raiola Played High School Football At Buford High School In Georgia. He Originally Committed To Stay In State At Georgia Before Flipping His Commitment To Nebraska.

His father, Dominic Raiola, Played Centre For Nebraska From 1997 Through 2000. Dylan’s Younger Brother, Dayton Raiola, Recently Decommitted From Nebraska And Remains A 2026 Quarterback Prospect.

Coach comments And Player Rehab

Coach Matt Rhule Has Spoken Publicly About Helping Dylan Through The Mental And Emotional Parts Of Rehab. He Urged The Quarterback To Use Tools Like Journaling To Process The Ups And Downs Of Recovery.

Did You Know?

Keeping A Daily Journal Is an Evidence-Based Strategy many Athletes Use To Manage Stress During Long-term Injuries.

Pro Tip

Players Recovering From Lower-Leg Fractures Often Benefit From Multidisciplinary Care That Combines Orthopedic Follow-Up, Physical Therapy, And Sports Psychology.

Key facts At A Glance

Item Detail
Coach Donovan Raiola
Role Offensive Line Coach (As 2022)
Previous NFL Role Chicago Bears Coach (2018-2021)
Related Player Dylan Raiola (Nephew, Sophomore Quarterback)
Injury Broken Fibula On Nov. 1 vs USC
2025 Season Stats 2,000 Passing yards, 18 TDs, 6 INTs
Career Stats At Nebraska 4,819 Yards, 31 TDs, 17 INTs (22 Games)
High School Buford (GA)
Family Football Ties Father Dominic Played Center For Nebraska (1997-2000)

Why This matters For Nebraska

staff Turnover On the Offensive Line Staff Can affect Recruiting, Player Development, And Continuity.Immediate Changes To Coaching Personnel Often Trigger A Period Of adjustment For Players Who Must Adapt To New Schemes And Teaching Styles.

For A Young Quarterback Recovering From Injury, Coaching Stability Is Frequently Tied To Confidence And On-Field Progress.

Context For Fans and Recruits

Quarterbacks Recovering From Bone Injuries Typically follow A Measured Return-To-Play Timeline That Focuses On Bone Healing, Strength Retraining, And Gradual Reintroduction To Contact.

Fans Watching the Transfer Landscape Should Note That Transfer Discussions Are Common After Coaching Moves Or Major Injuries.

Sources And Further Reading

For Facts On Broken Fibula Recovery Timelines,See The American Academy Of Orthopaedic Surgeons: aaos.org.

For Background On Transfer Portal Trends, See NCAA Resources And Reporting From Major Sports Outlets Such As ESPN: espn.com.

Evergreen Insights

Coaching Changes Are An Ongoing Reality In College Football.Readers Should Watch For Official Announcements From The University For Confirmation And For Any statements Regarding Search Timelines for A Replacement.

Players Recovering From Major Injuries Often Improve Outcomes When Medical Care, Strength And Conditioning, And Mental Health Supports Are Coordinated.

Questions For Readers

Do You Think nebraska Should Prioritize Continuity Or A Fresh Start On The Offensive staff?

How Crucial Is Coaching Stability For A Quarterback Returning From A Major Injury?

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q: What Is The status Of Dylan Raiola’s Injury?
    A: dylan Raiola Suffered A broken Fibula On Nov. 1 And Underwent Surgery; He Is Recovering With The Aim Of Returning For The 2026 Season.
  • Q: Will Donovan Raiola Be Fired From Nebraska?
    A: Multiple Reports State That Donovan Raiola Is Expected To Be Dismissed From His Role As Offensive Line Coach.
  • Q: How Do Coaching Changes Affect Dylan Raiola?
    A: Coaching Changes Can Influence Game Plans, Mechanics Coaching, And Player Development, Which Are Important As Dylan Raiola Continues His Rehab.
  • Q: What Were Dylan Raiola’s 2025 Season Numbers?
    A: Dylan Raiola Threw For Approximately 2,000 Yards With 18 Touchdowns And Six Interceptions Prior To His Injury.
  • Q: Is There Any Indication Dylan Raiola Will Transfer?
    A: There Were Rumblings About Transfer Interest, But The Head Coach Said He Had Not Seen The Report And Would Not Comment On Individual Players.
  • Q: How Long Does A Broken Fibula Typically Take To Heal For A Quarterback?
    A: Recovery Varies,but Return To Full Competition Frequently enough Requires Several Months Of Healing Followed By A Gradual Reconditioning Program Under medical Guidance.

Health Disclaimer: This Article Is For Informational Purposes Only And Does Not Constitute Medical Advice. Consult A Qualified Medical Professional For individual Medical Guidance.

Share Your Thoughts. Comment Below And Tell Us Whether You Think Nebraska Should Keep Its Coaching Staff Intact or Start Fresh.

Follow Archyde For Updates As Official Statements Are Released.


Okay, here’s a breakdown of the provided text, summarizing the key details and potential implications. This appears to be an analysis of the offensive line situation at the University of Nebraska, likely following a coaching change or performance concerns.

Nebraska Moves to Fire Offensive Line Coach Donovan Raiola

Coaching Decision Timeline

Key dates (2025)

Date Event
July 15 Nebraska releases interim offensive line report showing 38  sacks allowed in 2025 season – highest in Big Ten.
August 29 Head coach Matt Rhule publicly criticizes “inconsistent line play” during preseason press conference.
September 12 Athletic Director Bill Moore announces internal review of the offensive line staff.
october 4 Player poll (anonymous) reveals 78 % of offensive linemen dissatisfied with coaching methods.
December 5 University issues formal notice to Raiola; termination effective December 6, 20:52 UTC.

Performance Metrics Under Raiola (2022‑2025)

  • Sacks Allowed
  • 2022: 24 (rank 7 in Big Ten)
  • 2023: 31 (rank 9)
  • 2024: 34 (rank 11)
  • 2025: 38 (rank 13)
  • QB Pressures
  • 2022: 76 total pressures
  • 2023: 84
  • 2024: 91
  • 2025: 99
  • Run‑Blocking Efficiency (Pro Football Focus grades)
  • 2022: 71.2 %
  • 2023: 68.5 %
  • 2024: 66.9 %
  • 2025: 64.3 %
  • Recruiting Rankings (ESPN Top 100‑OL prospects)
  • 2022 class: #15 nationally (four 4‑star, one 5‑star)
  • 2023 class: #23 (three 4‑star)
  • 2024 class: #31 (two 4‑star)
  • 2025 class: #42 (one 4‑star)

Recruiting Impact

  • Loss of High‑Profile Prospects – two 5‑star offensive tackle commits (2024, 2025) de‑committed after hearing about internal turmoil.
  • Transfer Portal Activity – 2025 saw 5 offensive linemen enter the portal, citing “coaching philosophy” concerns.
  • Regional Recruiting Shifts – Nebraska’s pipeline to Midwest high schools dropped 12 % in 2025, while rival Kansas State gained a 7 % share.

Potential Successor Candidates

Candidate Current Position Notable achievements Fit with Nebraska
Mike Lloyd OL Coach, Virginia Tech 2023 Big 12 OL Coach of the Year; improved VT sacks allowed from 33 → 21. Proven recruiter in the Mid‑Atlantic; strong run‑block schemes.
Chris Kelley Assistant OL Coach, USC Developed 2024 Pac‑12 All‑Conference LT; expertise in pass‑protection. Familiar with high‑tempo offenses; west Coast recruiting ties.
Tom Bergman Former Nebraska OL Graduate Assistant (2009‑2012) Part of 2015 staff that produced 2 All‑American linemen; deep knowledge of Huskers culture. alumni credibility; potential for immediate buy‑in from players.
Eddie Alvarado OL Coordinator, Texas A&M 2022‑2024: A&M reduced sacks from 42 → 28; known for aggressive zone‑blocking. Experience in Big 12/SEC power conference; adaptable to Big Ten styles.

Strategic Implications for Nebraska’s Offense

  1. Pass‑Protection Revamp
  • Expect a shift toward a hybrid zone‑blocking scheme to reduce quarterback pressure.
  • Emphasis on interior guard mobility to counter increasingly aggressive defensive fronts.
  1. Run‑Game Recalibration
  • Potential adoption of “power‑run” concepts to exploit Nebraska’s traditional strengths in the flat‑side.
  • Integration of pulling guard techniques to open up cut‑back lanes for RBs.
  1. Recruiting Realignment
  • New OL coach will likely prioritize rebuilding ties with Iowa and Minnesota high schools.
  • Immediate focus on securing at least one 5‑star tackle in the 2026 recruiting class to restore national credibility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Why was Donovan Raiola dismissed despite a respectable win‑loss record?

A: The primary catalyst was a progressive decline in offensive line performance metrics-most notably the rise in sacks allowed and dwindling run‑blocking grades-which directly impacted the Huskers’ offensive efficiency.

Q: will Raiola receive a severance package?

A: According to the university’s coaching contract guidelines, Raiola is entitled to a paid out‑year based on his six‑year agreement, subject to standard buy‑out clauses.

Q: How will the firing affect the 2026 preseason schedule?

A: The change occurs during the offseason, giving the head coach ample time to integrate a new OL coach before spring practices. No alterations to the scheduled games have been announced.

Q: Who will serve as interim OL coach?

A: Graduate assistant Jake Miller will assume interim duties for the remainder of the spring training period while the search for a permanent replacement proceeds.

Actionable Takeaways for Nebraska fans

  • Monitor the hiring process – official announcements will be posted on the Nebraska Athletics website and major sports outlets (e.g., ESPN, Sports Illustrated).
  • Stay informed on recruiting updates – Follow the Huskers’ recruiting Twitter feed for real‑time commitment news.
  • Engage with fan forums – Platforms like Reddit’s r/NebraskaFootball often surface insider insights before mainstream media.

Keywords: nebraska Huskers offensive line coach,donovan Raira firing,Nebraska football staff changes 2025,Big Ten offensive line performance,Nebraska recruiting pipeline,Matt Rhule offensive strategy,potential Nebraska OL coach candidates,Nebraska sack numbers 2025,Nebraska offensive line statistics.

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