LINCOLN, Neb. — Secondary coach Evan Cooper, a key piece of coach Matt Rhule’s talent evaluation and development structure, has left the Nebraska staff, a university spokesperson confirmed Friday.
ESPN first reported the news of Cooper’s departure.
Cooper, 37, played for Rhule at Temple. Cooper served two coaching stints with the Owls and followed Rhule to Baylor and the Carolina Panthers. Cooper stayed with the Panthers through the end of the 2022 season after Rhule was fired in October of that year.
At Nebraska, Cooper served as Rhule’s chief evaluator in recruiting. He played a major role in identifying prospects such as wide receiver Jaylen Lloyd, who enjoyed a breakout season as a true freshman last year.
Several players in the secondary under Cooper at Nebraska in 2023 made a jump as the Cornhuskers ranked seventh nationally in yards allowed per play. Defensive backs Tommi Hill, DeShon Singleton and Omar Brown grew into important jobs after playing limited roles under the previous coaching staff in Lincoln.
Nebraska will seek a replacement for Cooper in the final weeks before preseason camp opens. The defense, under second-year coordinator Tony White, is expected to again serve as a strength for the Huskers.
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