Is it possible for E.J. Barthel, the running backs coach, to depart Nebraska for the Texas Longhorns?
The landscape of college football coaching is an ever-shifting one, with program changes, coaching staffs, and player development shaping the direction of the sport year after year. One of the key components to a successful program is assembling the right coaching staff, particularly when it comes to position coaches who can develop elite talent. In this regard, E.J. Barthel—currently serving as the running backs coach at Nebraska—has become a notable figure in the world of college football coaching. Barthel’s skillset as a recruiter and coach has garnered attention, and with Texas Longhorns football rising as a powerhouse in recent seasons, questions about his future and potential move to Austin have emerged.
Could E.J. Barthel leave Nebraska for a position on the Texas Longhorns coaching staff? On the surface, it seems plausible given the attractive nature of Texas as a program, its historical prominence, and its growing potential in the competitive world of college football. However, several factors would influence Barthel’s decision, including the dynamics within the Nebraska program, his professional ambitions, the role and position being offered at Texas, and the long-term goals of both universities. Let’s dive into the intricacies of this possibility.
Who Is E.J. Barthel? A Rising Star in Coaching
Before discussing the likelihood of Barthel’s potential move, it’s essential to understand his coaching journey, his impact on Nebraska football, and his qualifications.
E.J. Barthel is a highly regarded running backs coach with a background that has quickly earned him respect in college football. Barthel’s coaching career began in the NFL, where he served as a scout and assistant coach before moving into the college football coaching circuit. His experience coaching both professional and collegiate athletes provides him with a unique perspective on player development, which has served him well throughout his career. In particular, Barthel has built a reputation as a coach capable of developing dynamic and well-rounded running backs, focusing not only on athleticism but also on skills such as vision, ball security, and pass protection.
Barthel’s impact at Nebraska has been significant. Under his guidance, the Huskers’ running back room has seen increased productivity, and Nebraska’s ground game has consistently been one of the most potent in the Big Ten. Players like Anthony Grant and Rahmir Johnson have benefited from Barthel’s tutelage, and his ability to develop talent from the ground up has earned him a reputation as a skilled position coach.
Barthel’s experience as both a recruiter and a position coach is also worth noting. His ability to attract talent and develop relationships with high school athletes has been crucial for the Nebraska recruiting staff. His strong work ethic and emphasis on player development align well with the culture head coach Matt Rhule is trying to establish in Lincoln.
However, despite his successes at Nebraska, a move to Texas could present Barthel with new challenges, opportunities, and exposure at a much larger program.
Texas Longhorns: A Program on the Rise
The Texas Longhorns football program has always been a prestigious institution in college football, with a history of success, including multiple national championships and a rich tradition of excellence. However, in recent years, Texas has been looking to reclaim its position among the elite teams in college football. Since Steve Sarkisian took over as head coach in 2021, the Longhorns have experienced a resurgence, finishing strong in several recruiting classes and showing improvement on the field.
While Texas has seen ups and downs under Sarkisian, the Longhorns’ overall trajectory is undeniably positive. Texas is entering the SEC in the near future, which will elevate the program’s competition level even further. That move has already sparked considerable excitement among recruits and within the program’s fanbase. As a result, Texas is one of the most attractive destinations for coaches and players alike.
One area where Texas has been actively working to improve is its running game, which, despite flashes of brilliance, has been inconsistent at times. Texas has had talented backs like Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson, but the Longhorns need continued strong development in the running back room to compete at the highest levels of the SEC.
Having a coach like E.J. Barthel on the Texas staff would be a significant boost. Barthel’s reputation as a strong recruiter and effective position coach aligns with Sarkisian’s vision for the program. If Texas were to pursue Barthel, it would be a move to strengthen the running back position and further solidify the staff as a whole.
Factors That Could Influence Barthel’s Decision
1. Professional Ambitions and Career Trajectory
Barthel’s career to date has been marked by steady progress and success. Moving to Texas could present him with several opportunities for professional growth, both in terms of coaching experience and visibility. Texas is a nationally renowned program with more resources, higher-profile players, and better media exposure than Nebraska. For a coach looking to continue climbing the coaching ladder, the ability to recruit on a larger stage, work with elite athletes, and potentially compete for national championships could be a compelling factor.
While Nebraska is certainly a historic program with a passionate fanbase, the appeal of Texas lies in its potential to compete at the highest level year in and year out. Given that the Longhorns are about to join the SEC, a conference that attracts the spotlight and is considered one of the most competitive in college football, moving to Texas could be a logical step for Barthel in terms of his long-term career development.
Moreover, Texas’ facilities, recruiting budget, and visibility make it one of the most lucrative and high-profile programs in the country. For a rising coach like Barthel, the chance to coach under the spotlight at a program like Texas could be seen as a dream opportunity, both professionally and financially.
2. The Role at Texas: Position Coach vs. Coordinator Opportunities
One crucial factor in whether Barthel would leave Nebraska for Texas is the role that would be offered to him in Austin. Texas already has a well-established coaching staff under Sarkisian, and their running backs coach position is currently held by Tashard Choice, a former NFL running back with deep ties to the Texas program. Should Texas show interest in Barthel, the specific role offered—whether as a running backs coach or a possible promotion to offensive coordinator—would likely play a significant role in his decision.
If Barthel were offered a co-offensive coordinator position or some other form of advancement, it would be an easier decision for him to leave Nebraska. A significant role on a program of Texas’ caliber could be an appealing challenge, as Barthel would get a chance to develop an offense and contribute to a program with championship aspirations.
Alternatively, if Texas were only to offer him a lateral move as a running backs coach, the decision becomes a bit trickier. Nebraska has shown a commitment to Barthel, and he may feel the loyalty to the program and its leadership, especially if there are long-term opportunities for him to move up within the Nebraska staff. However, even in this scenario, the allure of coaching at a high-profile program like Texas would still weigh heavily in the decision.
3. Recruiting and Developmental Opportunities
Texas is one of the richest recruiting grounds in the country, with an abundance of high school talent every year. For a coach like Barthel, who has already shown his skill in recruiting, the opportunity to recruit in the Texas market and build relationships with some of the most talented young running backs in the country would be extremely appealing.
At Nebraska, Barthel has made strides in attracting solid recruiting classes, but the talent pool in Nebraska is not as deep as in Texas, which could be seen as a limiting factor. By moving to Texas, Barthel would be able to recruit at a higher level and develop running backs who could play on the biggest stages in college football, including the SEC.
Additionally, Barthel’s focus on developing the complete running back—someone who excels in pass protection, receiving out of the backfield, and running the ball—would be a huge asset for a program like Texas, which has seen success in developing dynamic offensive players.
4. Nebraska’s Stability and Long-Term Potential
While Texas may offer a more glamorous opportunity, Nebraska is a program with its own set of advantages. Under head coach Matt Rhule, Nebraska is aiming to build a strong, sustainable program. Rhule’s system and culture have already begun to take root in Lincoln, and as Nebraska continues to grow, Barthel’s position in the coaching staff could become even more important.
Nebraska may also offer a degree of stability that Texas, with its recent coaching changes and looming SEC transition, may not be able to match. Rhule’s long-term vision for the program could align with Barthel’s career goals, and Nebraska’s steady growth may provide Barthel with a chance to help build something special from the ground up.
Could Barthel Leave Nebraska for Texas?
In the world of college football, coaching moves are always complex, involving multiple layers of professional and personal considerations. While it is certainly possible that E.J. Barthel could leave Nebraska for a position with the Texas Longhorns, several factors would need to align for this to happen.
The opportunity for professional growth, both in terms of coaching experience and recruiting, would make Texas an attractive destination for Barthel. However, the specific role he is offered, his loyalty to Nebraska, and the stability offered by the Huskers will all play a major role in his decision. Ultimately, Barthel’s future will depend on his aspirations, the opportunities that arise, and how both programs view his long-term potential.
While it is
far from guaranteed that Barthel will depart Nebraska, the possibility of a move to Texas would undoubtedly represent a significant step in his coaching career and could ultimately benefit both parties. The next few months may reveal more details, but for now, the intrigue surrounding Barthel’s future in the coaching world continues to grow.
