Overview

Matt Rhule is an American professional football coach and former football player. He is currently the head coach of the Nebraska Cornhuskers. He was born in New York, New York in January 1975. Rhule played college football as a linebacker at Penn State. Before Nebraska Cornhuskers, Rhule became head coach of the Carolina Panthers in 2020 and was fired in October 2022. Before his NFL career, he was the head coach at Temple from 2013 to 2016 and at Baylor from 2017 to 2019. He won the AAC Championship in 2016 and was named Big 12 Coach of the Year in 2019. In January 2020, Rhule signed a contract with the Carolina Panthers for a reported $70 million over seven years, but he was later fired. In November 2022, Rhule signed an eight-year, $74 million contract with Nebraska.

Nebraska Cornhuskers

Head Coach

What Is Matt Rhule Net Worth’ Net Worth?

As of 2025, Matt Rhule’s net worth is estimated to be $25 million. This valuation takes into account his coaching contracts, endorsements, and other assets accumulated throughout his career.

Matt Rhule’s Contract Details and Earnings

Matt Rhule’s career has been marked by significant contracts and lucrative earnings. His rise in the coaching ranks is reflected in the increasing value of his employment agreements.

Baylor University: Prior to his move to the NFL, Rhule served as the head coach at Baylor University. There, he earned $4.1 million per year. This substantial salary underscored his success in revitalizing the Baylor football program, making him a sought-after commodity in the coaching world.

Carolina Panthers: In January 2020, Rhule inked a landmark deal with the Carolina Panthers. The contract was potentially worth up to $70 million over seven years. This agreement made him one of the highest-paid coaches in both college and professional football. The Panthers also had to pay a $6 million buyout to Baylor to secure his services.

His base salary with the Panthers was $8 million annually. However, incentives and bonuses could push his yearly compensation to $10 million or higher. This arrangement reflected the Panthers’ high expectations and Rhule’s proven track record in turning programs around.

Contract Termination: Rhule’s tenure with the Panthers was cut short in October 2022. At the time of his firing, the Panthers still owed him approximately $40 million. The contract stipulated that he would receive the full $40 million unless he secured another coaching position, a clause that gave him significant leverage.

Nebraska Cornhuskers: In November 2022, Matt Rhule signed an 8-year, $72 million contract with the Nebraska Cornhuskers, with an average annual salary of $9 million. The contract includes incentives.

The Nebraska Cornhuskers deal contains a “Super Soft” buyout, meaning that if he’s fired by the end of the 2025 season, then Nebraska owes him his remaining salary. However, the amount that Nebraska owes would be lessened by whatever he makes at his new job. From 2026-2027, this changes to a “Standard” buyout, meaning that Nebraska would only owe him 75% of his remaining salary, again, offset by his next job. After the 2027 season, if he gets fired, he gets nothing.

Early Career and Coaching Ascent

Matt Rhule was born in New York, New York, in January 1975. His early life laid the foundation for his future career in football.

Playing Career: Rhule played linebacker at State College Area High School and later at Penn State. Although his playing career didn’t reach the professional level, it instilled in him a deep understanding of the game and a passion for coaching.

Early Coaching Roles: Rhule began his coaching career as a linebackers coach at Albright College in 1998. He then served as the defensive line coach at the University at Buffalo from 1999 to 2000. In 2001, he took on the role of defensive line coach at UCLA, further broadening his coaching experience.

Western Carolina and Temple University: Rhule’s career progressed as he became the special teams and linebackers coach at Western Carolina University in 2002. From 2003 to 2004, he served as the team’s associate head coach, special teams coach, and linebackers coach. In 2005, he added running back coordinator to his responsibilities. Rhule then moved to Temple University, where he served as the defensive line coach in 2006 and the quarterbacks coach and recruiting coordinator in 2007. From 2008 to 2010, he was Temple’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, and in 2011, he was the team’s OC, tight ends coach, and recruiting coordinator.

New York Giants: In 2012, Rhule gained NFL experience as the assistant offensive line coach for the New York Giants. This stint provided him with valuable insights into professional football operations and coaching techniques.

Head Coaching Roles at Temple and Baylor: Rhule returned to Temple University as the head coach from 2013 to 2016. During his tenure, he led the team to an AAC Championship in 2016. From 2017 to 2019, he served as the head coach at Baylor University, earning Big 12 Coach of the Year honors in 2019. These head coaching positions significantly boosted his profile and set the stage for his move to the NFL.

Matt Rhule has consistently demonstrated an ability to rebuild struggling programs. At both Temple and Baylor, he took over teams with losing records and transformed them into competitive contenders. His success is not only reflected in the team’s win-loss record but also in the increased recruiting success and overall program development. His ability to implement a clear vision, foster a strong team culture, and develop talent has made him one of the most respected and sought-after coaches in the sport.

Additional Financial Information

While specific details about Matt Rhule’s real estate assets, private planes, luxury cars, and personal investments are not publicly available, his substantial net worth and earnings suggest a comfortable lifestyle. Like many high-profile coaches, Rhule likely has a diversified investment portfolio that contributes to his overall financial stability. As a public figure, his financial activities are subject to scrutiny, but specific details remain private.

Net Worth Milestones

Matt Rhule’s net worth has seen significant milestones corresponding with his career advancements.

Early Coaching Success: His initial success at Temple University led to increased earning potential. Securing the head coaching position was a significant step, improving his financial standing through increased salary and endorsements.

Baylor University Contract: The move to Baylor University in 2017 marked a considerable milestone in his net worth trajectory. His annual salary of $4.1 million significantly boosted his financial resources, allowing for investments and increased savings.

Carolina Panthers Deal: The landmark deal with the Carolina Panthers in 2020 represented the most substantial milestone in his net worth. The potential $70 million contract over seven years drastically increased his wealth, solidifying his position among the wealthiest coaches in the sport. Although his tenure was cut short, the guaranteed portion of his contract ensured substantial earnings.

Nebraska Cornhuskers Contract: After being fired from the Carolina Panthers, Matt Rhule signed an 8-year, $72 million contract with the Nebraska Cornhuskers in November 2022. The contract has an average annual salary of $9 million.

Matt Rhule’s net worth is a testament to his success in the high-stakes world of college and professional football. His strategic career moves and ability to maximize his earning potential have solidified his financial standing. As he continues his coaching career, his net worth is poised to grow further, making him one of the most financially successful figures in the sport.

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