‘More than just a great boss’: Matt Rhule comments on Trev Alberts’ departure

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Nebraska football head coach Matt Rhule commented Monday on the departure of Athletic Director Trev Alberts.

Rhule opened the press conference by talking about Alberts, who abruptly left Nebraska to take the athletic director position at Texas A&M.

“Really sad to see Trev and Angie go,” he said. “More than just a great boss, I consider Trev a friend. He’ll be a friend of mine forever.”

Rhule said it’s tough to see someone of Alberts’ caliber leave Nebraska.

But he also thinks this an “unbelievable opportunity” for Nebraska to move forward and improve.

“I would not send my son here if I didn’t think it was an amazing place,” he said.  “My wife is opening a business down at SouthPointe, we would not invest our money and futures in a place we did not believe in.”

Several people reached out to Rhule, including Interim Nebraska President Chris Kabourek and Gov. Jim Pillen.

SEE ALSO: ‘Get it done’: Pillen blames lack of permanent president for Trev Alberts’ departure

Rhule said he’s been “overwhelmed” by the amount of people who have “stepped up” following the sudden news.

Rhule also praised Albert’s temporary replacement, Dennis Leblanc, saying he’s excited to see the longtime athletics department member in his new role.

“Dennis is what’s great about college athletics, he cares about the student-athlete,” he said.

SEE ALSO: Former Huskers sing praises of interim AD Dennis Leblanc

When the time comes, Rhule hopes the university finds a new leader who is not worried about making tough decisions.

“We have to retain that leadership, we have to retain our student-athletes, we have to be the model of that across the country,” he said.