LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — San Diego State defensive coordinator Rob Aurich will join Nebraska in the same role, and the Cornhuskers also hired Georgia Tech's Geep Wade to coach the offensive line, coach Matt Rhule announced Friday.
Aurich had been on the Aztecs' staff for two years, with this his first as defensive coordinator. The Aztecs had one of the Bowl Subdivision's top defenses this year and Aurich was a nominee for the Broyles Award as the nation’s top assistant coach. He replaces John Butler.
San Diego State led the country with three shutouts and and held eight of 12 opponents to 10 or fewer points. SDSU ranked in the top 10 nationally in 10 categories while posting the fifth-best scoring defense in Mountain West history and the top scoring defense at San Diego State since 1976. The 12.5 points per game allowed in 2025 ranked fifth nationally and was a 17-point improvement from the 2024 season.
“Rob Aurich is one of the top young defensive coaches in the country,” Rhule said. “Success has followed Rob at every stop he has made during his coaching career. Rob will bring great fundamentals, energy and toughness, and his defenses play with the style and energy level I want out of our defense. We are excited to have Rob, and his young family join our Husker family.”
Wade, an FBS offensive line coach for 11 seasons, has developed linemen who have combined for 23 all-conference awards, including nine All-ACC awards from 2023 to 2025. He replaces Donovan Raiola.
“Geep Wade is well-known as one of the top offensive line coaches in college football,” Rhule said. “His offensive lines play with great technique, discipline and tenacity, and they have excelled in both powering dynamic running games and providing elite pass protection. He also has a proven track record as a high-level recruiter. Geep and his family will be a great addition to Husker Nation.”
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