Erik Chinander removed as Nebraska defensive coordinator

LINCOLN, Neb. (WOWT) - Nebraska’s defensive coordinator has been removed.

Interim Head Football Coach Mickey Joseph announced Sunday he is relieving the Huskers defensive coordinator, Erik Chinander, from his position. The announcement comes just over 24 hours after Oklahoma put up 49 points on the Huskers Saturday.

“We appreciate Erik and the work and dedication he has given to our football program,” Joseph said. “At this time, I feel that it is in the best interest of the Nebraska Football program to take the leadership of the defense in another direction and decided Bill Busch will take over as defensive coordinator.”

Busch is Nebraska’s special teams coordinator.

This marks the second week in a row that Nebraska has removed a coach from their staff.

So far this season, Chinander’s defense allowed an average of 514 offensive yards per game over the Husker’s first four contests of 2022. Former Nebraska head coach Scott Frost brought Chinander with him to Lincoln from UCF in 2017. Chinander was in his fifth season as Nebraska’s defensive coordinator and this is his 20th year coaching.

The Huskers enter their first bye week of the season with a record of 1-3. On Saturday, Oct. 1, Nebraska returns to conference play with a home game against Indiana.

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Digital producer Jacob Comer contributed to this report.

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