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Arlington Martin's Bob Wager officially joining Matt Rhule's coaching staff

On3 imageby:Sean Callahan•12/30/22•

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Bob Wager
Bob Wager for Arlington Martin is one of three coaching hires on Matt Rhule's staff announced Sunday.

One of the top high school football coaches in the state of Texas will join Matt Rhule’s coaching staff at Nebraska. HuskerOnline first reported Arlington (Texas) Martin head coach Bob Wager was in line to join Matt Rhule at Nebraska on Dec. 20.

Now we know the specifics. According to Matt Stepp of TexasFootball.com, Wager is joining NU to become the Huskers’ tight ends and assistant special teams coach. Wager now becomes the eighth of 10 full-time assistant coach hires. NU has yet to hire a wide receivers coach or linebackers coach.

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The hire of Wager by Rhule is very similar to what he did at Baylor with Joey McGuire in 2017. At that time, Rhule hired the then Cedar Hill (Texas) High School coach in Waco to coach tight ends. Like Wager, McGuire was regarded as one of the top high school football coaches in the state of Texas.

McGuire has since parlayed that opportunity to now being the head coach at Texas Tech.

Bob Wager brings a lot to the table for Rhule and Nebraska

One thing is certain, Wager is as well-respected and regarded as any high school football coach in the state of Texas.

He’s been involved in coaching the last 10 Under Armour All-American Games in Orlando, as well as serving on the game’s board of directors. He’s made the Texas high school state playoffs all 17 years he’s been at Arlington Martin and has a career coaching record of 206-100. His team went 10-2 this season, losing in the second round of the state playoffs. His teams have won their district four straight years and owned a 30-0-1 record in district play during that time.

“It’s been one of the great joys of my life being the coach here,” Wager said in a statement. “We’ve raised our children here. It’s not just the school. It’s the community. This decision has always been driven by family. It’s a family decision, and every other decision has been a family decision. I’m really proud of the school, community and everyone involved in it. Schools aren’t just brick and mortar. What makes the place magnificent are the people.”

Wager also served on the Board of Directors of the Texas High School Coaches Association, to which Rhule has a strong connection.   

Another thing to watch closely is Wager’s son Gage joining the NU program as a walk-on.

Wager is now the second well-regarded high school coach from a talent-rich producing state to join Rhule’s staff.

Miami Homestead head coach Phil Simpson is also a part of the NU staff, in a defensive quality control position.

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