In a surprising turn of events, the Nebraska football program has found itself in need of a new assistant coach after Safeties Coach Miles Taylor decided to leave his position after just a brief 19-day tenure. Officially appointed on January 16, Taylor has chosen to follow his former boss to the NFL, creating a rather unusual chapter in the coaching landscape as we enter February. This situation isn’t entirely unique; the world of college football has seen its fair share of swift exits and unexpected moves.
So what’s next for Taylor, and how will Nebraska fill this vacancy? Let’s dive into the details of his departure and what it means for the Huskers moving forward.
Taylor came to Nebraska after a stint with the Los Angeles Chargers, where he worked alongside Jesse Minter. Following the conclusion of the 2025 season, the Baltimore Ravens decided to part ways with their longtime head coach John Harbaugh, promoting Minter to take over the reins. As Minter transitioned from the Chargers’ defensive coordinator role to becoming the head coach of the Ravens, he quickly sought to assemble his coaching staff. Taylor was among the latest to be recruited, leaving Nebraska just weeks after joining.
Before his brief time in Lincoln, Taylor had a solid background in collegiate coaching, having spent two years at South Dakota under Rob Aurich. During his time in Vermillion, Nebraska's new defensive coordinator worked closely with the Coyotes as the special teams coordinator and linebackers coach, while Taylor served as the defensive backs coach from 2020 to 2024. The connection between Aurich and Taylor led to an opportunity for Taylor to join the Huskers when he was left without a job following Minter’s promotion.
Although Taylor had been assigned the role of safeties coach with the expectation of enhancing a unit that ranked second in the nation for pass defense in 2025, it appears that Nebraska’s needs may not be as pressing as they seem. The previous season saw Addison Williams effectively manage the secondary without a dedicated safeties coach, which raises the question: can they continue to thrive without one?
As of now, Nebraska’s safety roster includes ten players, featuring returning starters Rex Guthrie and Justyn Rhett, as well as newly transferred Dwayne McDougle, who followed Aurich from San Diego State. Additionally, there are several promising young athletes like Caleb Benning and Jamir Conn who have already shown potential in their Husker careers. The absence of a specialized coach might slow their growth, but it doesn't negate the possibility of success, as these young players will still have ample opportunities to develop.
Williams, who previously helped three members of his secondary earn All-Conference honors, will have to step up his game once more in 2026. Despite the challenges ahead, he has proven capable of leading the unit effectively. The returning core of the secondary, along with some experienced newcomers from the transfer portal, gives Nebraska a solid foundation as they prepare for the upcoming season.
As the spring football preparations begin, Nebraska is also celebrating the addition of a highly-rated recruit to their 2026 class. However, the pressing question remains: will the Huskers seek a replacement for Taylor, or will they decide to carry on as they have before?
The abrupt departure of Taylor serves as a reminder of the fluid nature of college football coaching and recruitment. While some may view this as a setback, it’s essential to remember that teams have navigated similar transitions successfully in the past. What do you think? Should Nebraska look for another safeties coach, or can they maintain their momentum with the current staff? Share your thoughts!
