History of Matt Rhule in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 23, 2024

Matt Rhule is a prominent figure in American football, known for his coaching career. He currently serves as the head coach for the University of Nebraska's football team. Before joining Nebraska in 2023, he held head coach positions at Temple University, Baylor University, and even in the NFL with the Carolina Panthers. His football journey began as a linebacker during his time at Penn State.

1941: Temple's Historic Win Over Penn State

Temple University, led by Matt Rhule, achieved their first victory over Penn State since 1941.

1969: Baylor's Worst Record Since 1969

Baylor University, under Matt Rhule's first year, experienced their worst season record since 1969.

January 31, 1975: Birth of Matt Rhule

Matt Rhule was born on January 31, 1975.

1979: Temple University's Last Ten-Win Season

Prior to Matt Rhule's arrival, Temple University last achieved a ten-win season in 1979.

1979: Temple's Best Season in Decades

Temple University had their most successful season since 1979, with ten wins.

1994: Start of Penn State Football Career

Matt Rhule began his football career as a linebacker for Penn State.

1997: End of Penn State Football Career and Graduation

Matt Rhule concluded his time as a linebacker for Penn State and earned his bachelor's degree in political science.

1997: Penn State Graduation

Matt Rhule obtained his bachelor's degree in political science from Penn State in 1997.

1997: Academic Recognition at Penn State

Matt Rhule received the Academic All-Big Ten honor at Penn State in 1997.

2003: Master's Degree Completion

Matt Rhule completed his master's degree in educational psychology from the University at Buffalo in 2003.

2006: Defensive Line Coach at Temple

Matt Rhule began working as a defensive line coach at Temple University under Al Golden in 2006.

2008: Temple's Quarterbacks Coach and Offensive Coordinator

After a year as quarterbacks coach, Matt Rhule was promoted to offensive coordinator at Temple in 2008.

2008: Offensive Coordinator at Temple University

Matt Rhule was promoted to the role of offensive coordinator at Temple University.

2010: Candidacy for Temple's Head Coach

Matt Rhule interviewed for the head coach position at Temple University, but the position was ultimately given to Steve Addazio.

December 17, 2012: Appointment as Temple's Head Coach

Matt Rhule was officially named the head coach of Temple University on December 17, 2012.

2013: Head Coach at Temple University

Matt Rhule became the head football coach at Temple University.

2013: Return to Temple University as Head Coach

Matt Rhule returned to Temple University, this time as the head coach.

2015: Contract Extension and Coaching Interest

Matt Rhule signed a four-year contract extension with Temple University but renegotiated to stay amidst interest from Missouri and Syracuse.

December 7, 2016: Matt Rhule Introduced as Baylor's Head Coach

Matt Rhule was officially introduced as the head coach of Baylor University on December 7, 2016, during a period of significant transition for the program.

2016: Temple University's Conference Championship and Move to Baylor University

Matt Rhule led Temple University to their second conference championship and subsequently accepted the head coach position at Baylor University.

2016: American Athletic Conference Championship Victory

Matt Rhule led Temple University to victory in the American Athletic Conference Championship Game.

2016: Conference Championship and Move to Baylor

Matt Rhule led Temple to a conference championship victory before accepting the head coaching job at Baylor.

2017: Head Coach at Baylor University

Matt Rhule officially began his tenure as head football coach at Baylor University.

2018: First Bowl Win as Head Coach

Matt Rhule achieved his first bowl game victory as a head coach in 2018.

2018: Acquisition of Sam Darnold

Matt Rhule, with the Carolina Panthers, traded for quarterback Sam Darnold, who was the third overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft.

2019: Successful Season, Big 12 Coach of the Year, and Move to Carolina

Matt Rhule led Baylor to a successful 11-1 regular season, earning him the Big 12 Coach of the Year award, and subsequently accepted the head coach position with the Carolina Panthers.