Nebraska extends RB coach EJ Barthel through 2027 season
Nebraska has signed running backs coach E.J. Barthel to a two-year contract extension, keeping him with the program through at least the 2026-2027 season.
This extension finalizes the last remaining contract adjustment for Matt Rhule’s coaching staff heading into the 2025 season.
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Salary increase and staff continuity
Barthel, who joined Rhule’s staff in November 2022, will see his annual salary increase from $293,550 to $450,000, effective Feb. 1, 2025. His new contract mirrors that of linebackers coach Rob Dvoracek, who also recently received a raise to $450,000.
The deal, which replaces Barthel’s previous contract set to expire in 2024, includes performance-based bonuses tied to the program’s success.
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A key figure in developing Nebraska’s rushing attack, Barthel has coaching experience at UConn and in the NFL. He will work with returning running back Emmett Johnson, who aims to become Nebraska’s first 1,000-yard rusher since 2018.
Barthel’s extension comes after both Texas and Penn State talked to him for their running backs coach openings, sources confirmed. Here is a full salary breakdown of Rhule’s 2025 coaching staff. Nebraska’s known contracted assistant coach pool is now $8.75 million heading into 2025.
Staff breakdown
| Coach | Title | Salary |
| Marcus Satterfield | Tight ends coach | $1.4 million |
| Dana Holgorsen | Offensive coordinator | $1.2 million |
| John Butler | Defensive coordinator | $1 million |
| Glenn Thomas | Co-offensive coordinator/Quarterbacks coach | $800,000 |
| Donovan Raiola | Offensive line | $650,000 |
| Addison Williams | Secondary | $625,000 |
| Mike Ekeler | Special teams coordinator | $625,000 |
| EJ Barthel | Running backs coach | $450,000 |
| Rob Dvoracek | Linebacker | $450,000 |
| Phil Snow | Associate head coach | $400,000 |
| Terry Bradden | Defensive line | $400,000 |
| Daikiel Shorts | Wide receivers | $400,000 |
| Phil Simpson | Outside linebacker | $350,000 |
