The Cincinnati Bearcats have extended a \$95 million contract offer to Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule. Rhule is presently in the midst of an eight-year, \$74 million deal with the Nebraska Cornhuskers, signed in late 2022.
His current contract averages \$9.25 million per year and features significant guaranteed money along with performance-based bonuses, ranking it among the highest-paying agreements in college football.
The Bold Move by Cincinnati
According to multiple sources close to the situation, Cincinnati’s athletic department quietly targeted Rhule as their top candidate amid behind-the-scenes concerns about the program’s trajectory since joining the Big 12. While many expected them to pursue up-and-coming coordinators or group-of-five head coaches, offering nearly nine figures to a Power Five coach with NFL experience has completely flipped the script.
The Bearcats are betting big. This move signals an aggressive intent to not just compete, but to dominate in the Big 12 and beyond. The $95 million contract would rank among the highest in college football history — a bold statement from a program once considered a stepping stone.
Rhule’s Immediate Response: “Yes”
In a response delivered just a minute ago, Matt Rhule confirmed he is accepting the offer. His exact words, according to insiders:
“Yes — I believe in what Cincinnati is building. Let’s go win championships.”
This comes as a surprise given Rhule’s ongoing rebuild at Nebraska, where he’s been working to restore a storied program back to national relevance. However, sources suggest Cincinnati’s commitment to facilities, NIL resources, and full control over football operations were major factors in his decision.
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