CONGRATULATIONS: Nebraska Cornhuskers Appoint Football Legend Turner Gill as New Assistant Coach
LINCOLN, Neb. — In a move that has thrilled fans and reignited memories of gridiron glory, the Nebraska Cornhuskers have officially announced the appointment of American football legend Turner Gill as their new assistant coach.
Gill, a former star quarterback for the Cornhuskers in the early 1980s, brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and deep-rooted passion for the Nebraska program. The news was confirmed by the University of Nebraska’s athletic department early Wednesday morning, and it has since sparked waves of excitement across Husker Nation.
“It is an absolute honor to return to a place that has always been home,” Gill said in a statement. “Nebraska shaped me not just as a player but as a man. I’m grateful for the opportunity to help guide the next generation of Huskers.”
Gill’s return to Lincoln marks a full-circle moment for a man who helped define an era of excellence for Nebraska football. As quarterback from 1981 to 1983, he led the team to three Big Eight Conference titles and was a Heisman Trophy finalist. Under head coach Tom Osborne, Gill was the heart of a dominant offense, and his leadership helped lay the foundation for the program’s powerhouse status in the 1990s.
After his playing career was cut short due to injury, Gill transitioned into coaching. His résumé includes stints as head coach at Buffalo, Kansas, and Liberty, where he gained respect for building programs with integrity and developing players both on and off the field. Now, after a brief hiatus from coaching, he returns to the Nebraska sidelines with renewed focus and purpose.
Head coach Matt Rhule praised Gill’s addition to the staff, calling it a “perfect fit for the culture we’re building here.” He added, “Turner is a proven leader who embodies everything Nebraska football stands for—toughness, tradition, and tenacity. His experience and heart for mentorship will be invaluable.”
Fans and alumni have expressed overwhelming support for the hire, celebrating both Gill’s football pedigree and his deep ties to the university. Social media lit up with congratulatory messages, with many citing it as a powerful bridge between the Cornhuskers’ storied past and promising future.
With Turner Gill now back in the fold, Nebraska looks to reclaim its place among college football’s elite. His presence on the coaching staff is expected to boost recruitment, player development, and morale across the program.
One thing is certain: The legacy of Turner Gill continues—this time, not just in the record books, but on the sidelines where it all began.