In the first season under Matt Rhule, Nebraska is sitting at 5-6 and fighting for bowl eligibility entering the final week of the regular season against a 9-2 Iowa squad.
One of the big bright spots for the Huskers has been the play of their defense, led by Tony White. The Nebraska defense under White ranks among the top 20 nationally and is allowing less than 19 points per game.
The way the Huskers defense has been playing has White's name being mentioned as a head coaching candidate for a few of the early openings, including at San Diego State.
White spent nine seasons as an assistant at San Diego State under Rocky Long, learning the ins and outs of the 3-3-5 defense as the corners coach before he left to become the defensive passing game coordinator at Arizona State, and eventually the defensive coordinator for the Sun Devils.
Today, Kirk Kenney of the San Diego Tribune shared that White has been contacted by San Diego State about their opening as Brady Hoke recently decided to retire. With his past stop there and recruiting ties in the area, combined with his recent success, it's an obvious connection they want to explore.
Earlier this week, Rhule was asked how he advises guys like White (who previously served as the defensive coordinator at Syracuse prior to joining Rhule's staff) on his staff that are candidates for other jobs.
Rhule's response?
"Go get the job. A search firm called me and asked for Tony's number, and I said 'Yes, you should hire Tony White. Tony White should be a head coach. He's excellent.'"
"Now, I told Tony, don't take the wrong one. Don't take the wrong job now. Don't take a job with no resources. Don't take a job with no support. Don't take a job without a great recruiting base."
Then came some coaching advice gold from Rhule.
"Don't take a job - now here me when I say this because this is deep - where the expectations don't meet the commitment."
"I do that with all my guys," Rhule shared. "Because it's like the players. I want them to want to be here and I also want them to advance. I don't want guys who only want to be here.
Hear Rhule's full comments in the clip.