Nebraska’s secondary coach, Evan Cooper, has left the staff, according to a university spokesperson. Cooper, who played for head coach Matt Rhule at Temple, had been a key figure in talent evaluation and development. ESPN was the first to report his departure.
Cooper had two coaching stints with the Owls before following Rhule to Baylor and later the Carolina Panthers. He stayed with the Panthers until the end of the 2022 season, even after Rhule was fired in October of that year.
During his time at Nebraska, Cooper played a crucial role as Rhule’s chief evaluator in recruiting. One of his notable successes was identifying wide receiver Jaylen Lloyd, who had a breakout season as a true freshman last year.
Under Cooper’s guidance, several players in the secondary made significant strides. In fact, the Cornhuskers ranked seventh nationally in yards allowed per play in 2023. Defensive backs Tommi Hill, DeShon Singleton, and Omar Brown all stepped up and took on important roles after having limited playing time under the previous coaching staff in Lincoln.
With Cooper’s departure, Nebraska will now be on the lookout for a replacement in the weeks leading up to preseason camp. The defense, led by second-year coordinator Tony White, is expected to remain a strong point for the Huskers.
Cooper’s departure raises questions about how this will impact Nebraska’s recruiting efforts moving forward. His ability to identify and develop talent was a significant asset for the program. Finding a suitable replacement will be crucial to maintaining the team’s momentum and ensuring continued success on the field.
This situation also serves as a reminder of the transient nature of coaching staffs in college football. Coaches often follow their mentors or move on to new opportunities, leading to constant turnover within programs. It is essential for universities to have a strong infrastructure in place to adapt to these changes and ensure continuity in player development and recruitment.