Lincoln, NE – In a move that sent shockwaves through the college football coaching ranks, Glenn Thomas, the Nebraska Cornhuskers’ Quarterbacks Coach and Co-Offensive Coordinator, has reportedly turned down an astonishing $12 million offer from the Texas Longhorns. This decision, emerging from multiple league sources, underscores a compelling commitment to the Husker program under Matt Rhule and highlights a growing trend of assistant coaches valuing fit and vision over sheer financial might.
Thomas, a highly respected offensive mind with extensive experience in both college and the NFL, joined the Nebraska staff in early 2024. He arrived in Lincoln with a strong reputation for quarterback development, having previously coached in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons (where he coached Matt Ryan) and the Pittsburgh Steelers, and in college as an offensive coordinator at Baylor, Temple, UNLV, and Arizona State. His current salary at Nebraska is a reported $800,000, making the $12 million offer from Texas truly jaw-dropping.
The reported $12 million package from the Texas Longhorns is an astronomical sum for a co-offensive coordinator and position coach in college football. For context, Texas’s current offensive coordinator, Kyle Flood, is set to make $1.4 million in 2025. An offer of $12 million would not only shatter existing salary precedents but would likely signify a multi-year deal with an average annual compensation far exceeding industry norms. This aggressive pursuit by the Longhorns demonstrates their clear intent to bolster their offensive staff with top-tier talent, particularly in the crucial area of quarterback development, as they navigate their highly anticipated move to the SEC.
The Texas Longhorns, under Head Coach Steve Sarkisian, are aiming to maintain and build upon their recent success, which includes a College Football Playoff appearance. They are constantly looking to enhance their coaching staff to ensure they are at the forefront of offensive innovation and player development. Milwee’s established success in developing quarterbacks like Quinn Ewers (who reportedly moved on to the NFL after the 2024 season) and Arch Manning made him an ideal target for Texas to continue their offensive prowess. However, the unexpected rejection of their unprecedented offer to Thomas signals a significant setback in their coaching recruitment efforts.
Sources close to Glenn Thomas indicate that his decision to remain in Lincoln was not merely about money. While a $12 million offer from a program of Texas’s stature is incredibly enticing, several key factors reportedly played a decisive role in his choice:
- Relationship with Matt Rhule: Thomas has a history of working with Head Coach Matt Rhule, having served as his offensive coordinator at Temple and co-offensive coordinator at Baylor. This long-standing relationship, built on trust and a shared coaching philosophy, is a powerful draw. Thomas likely feels a strong sense of buy-in to Rhule’s rebuilding process at Nebraska.
- Defined Role and Influence at Nebraska: While Dana Holgorsen is the primary offensive coordinator at Nebraska, Thomas’s role as co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach is highly influential. He is deeply involved in offensive scheme development and the direct mentorship of quarterbacks. This level of autonomy and impact within the program is often highly valued by experienced coaches.
- Building Something Special: Nebraska football is undergoing a significant transformation under Matt Rhule, and there’s a strong sense of belief in the direction the program is heading. Thomas is likely invested in being a foundational piece of this rebuild, seeing a unique opportunity to return a storied program to national prominence.
- Stability and Vision: After moving from the Pittsburgh Steelers to Nebraska in early 2024, Thomas may prioritize stability and the opportunity to settle into a long-term project. The clear vision and methodical approach of the Rhule regime likely provide that.
- Competitive Challenge: While Texas offers immediate SEC exposure, the challenge of building Nebraska into a Big Ten contender under Rhule may be a more appealing professional endeavor for Thomas.
For the Nebraska Cornhuskers, retaining Glenn Thomas is an immense victory. It ensures continuity in their offensive coaching staff, particularly for their highly touted quarterback room, which is crucial for a program looking to turn the corner. Keeping a coach of Thomas’s caliber, especially after being targeted with such an aggressive and record-breaking offer from a program like Texas, speaks volumes about the culture and belief that Matt Rhule is cultivating in Lincoln.
The landscape of college football coaching continues to be defined by escalating salaries and intense competition for talent. Glenn Thomas’s reported rejection of a $12 million offer from the Texas Longhorns is a powerful illustration of this trend, but it also highlights that for some, the right fit, deep-rooted relationships, and the opportunity to be part of a long-term building process can be as, if not more, compelling than even the most staggering financial incentives. The Nebraska faithful can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing their quarterback guru is committed to the Husker cause.
