Is it possible for E.J. Barthel, the running backs coach, to depart Nebraska for the Texas Longhorns?

The landscape of college football coaching can be as unpredictable as the sport itself, and this year has seen its fair share of rumors and speculations. Among the most intriguing whispers floating around the college football world involves E.J. Barthel, the running backs coach for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, potentially leaving his post for a new opportunity — one with the Texas Longhorns. While nothing has been confirmed yet, the speculation is rife, particularly after Texas’ aggressive moves in the transfer portal and recruiting world. The question is, could Barthel make the jump to the Longhorns’ coaching staff, and what would that mean for both Nebraska and Texas?

In this article, we’ll explore the current state of E.J. Barthel’s career, what might drive him to make such a significant move, and the implications of such a transition for both the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Texas Longhorns.

Who Is E.J. Barthel?

Before diving into the possibility of Barthel leaving Nebraska for Texas, it’s important to understand who E.J. Barthel is and what he has accomplished at Nebraska.

Barthel joined Nebraska’s coaching staff in 2022 as the running backs coach under head coach Matt Rhule. Though his tenure at Nebraska has been brief, his reputation within the coaching community has been steadily growing. Prior to his time in Lincoln, Barthel had accumulated significant experience in the coaching world, particularly in recruiting and player development.

Before Nebraska, Barthel served as the offensive coordinator and running backs coach at Western Connecticut State, a position that helped hone his understanding of the game. He also spent time coaching at Temple University under Matt Rhule during the 2018 season. The bulk of Barthel’s coaching pedigree, however, comes from his time working in recruiting roles, which has garnered him significant respect as a dynamic and personable recruiter.

At Nebraska, Barthel was tasked with working with a running back unit that faced its own set of challenges. Despite the team’s struggles in recent years, Barthel was able to showcase his ability to develop talent, particularly with Anthony Grant, a transfer from the University of New Mexico. Under Barthel’s tutelage, Grant had a breakout season in 2022, rushing for over 900 yards and scoring 6 touchdowns. The ability to develop talent from the ground up is a hallmark of Barthel’s coaching philosophy.

Barthel’s ability to foster a strong relationship with players, combined with his knowledge of the game, has made him a valuable asset to the Nebraska coaching staff.

What’s at Stake: Why Would Barthel Leave Nebraska?

For a coach like E.J. Barthel, the opportunity to make a move to a prestigious program like Texas would undoubtedly be alluring. But the question remains: why would Barthel leave his current position at Nebraska to join the Longhorns, especially after just a few seasons in Lincoln? What factors could influence such a significant decision?

1. Career Advancement and Exposure at Texas

The University of Texas is one of the most iconic programs in college football. For any coach, the chance to join the Longhorns represents a tremendous opportunity for both career advancement and exposure. Under Steve Sarkisian, the Longhorns have been climbing back to national prominence after several years of rebuilding. Texas has a vast fanbase, a top-tier football facility, and the resources to attract the nation’s best recruits. It is also a program with a storied history of success, including numerous conference titles and national championships.

For Barthel, the chance to coach in such a high-profile program could be an opportunity to boost his coaching resume and help him establish himself as a leading figure in college football. Working at Texas could open doors for future opportunities, whether it be at a more prestigious program or even as an offensive coordinator or head coach down the road.

2. Texas’ Need for Running Back Expertise

Texas has been solid at the running back position in recent years, but the program is looking to take the next step in improving its ground game. With B. John Robinson having declared for the NFL Draft and the Longhorns looking to build around a new core of backs, the timing for a coaching change in the running backs room could be ideal. The program is already recruiting at an elite level, and with the expected development of players like Jonathan Brooks and incoming freshman Cedric Baxter Jr., a fresh voice in the running backs room could make a significant impact.

For Steve Sarkisian, having someone like Barthel on the coaching staff could provide a much-needed boost in terms of running back development and recruiting. Barthel’s reputation as a talented recruiter, especially in the northeast and mid-Atlantic regions, could help Texas tap into new talent pools and establish themselves as a force in recruiting.

3. The Pull of Texas’ Recruiting Network

Texas’ recruiting resources are among the best in the nation. The state of Texas is home to some of the most talented high school football players, and the Longhorns have been known to attract top-tier talent from across the country. The move to Texas could give Barthel an expanded recruiting footprint, allowing him to tap into Texas, California, and Florida while maintaining relationships with prospects from his previous recruiting regions. The opportunity to work alongside some of the best recruiters in the nation would be a strong pull for any coach looking to elevate his career.

For a coach with Barthel’s reputation, especially one who has experience building connections with high school programs and recruits, the potential for landing high-level talent could be seen as an exciting challenge. The chance to develop future stars and play a key role in Texas’ return to national contention might be too enticing to pass up.

4. Stability and Resources at Texas

Another factor that would weigh heavily in Barthel’s decision is the stability and resources that Texas can provide. Nebraska, while historically a strong program, has faced significant challenges in recent years. While head coach Matt Rhule is undoubtedly a strong leader and has brought stability to the Cornhuskers, the program is still in the early stages of a rebuild.

In contrast, Texas offers a program with immense financial backing, state-of-the-art facilities, and higher overall expectations. The resources available at Texas would allow Barthel to work with the best equipment and have access to cutting-edge development tools. This environment would help foster his growth as a coach and ensure he has everything necessary to succeed.

Challenges of Leaving Nebraska for Texas

Despite the advantages, there are certainly some challenges that could come with Barthel leaving Nebraska for Texas.

1. Loyalty to Nebraska

One of the biggest challenges Barthel would face is the loyalty he may feel to the Nebraska program, especially with Matt Rhule in charge. Rhule, who is known for his strong leadership and commitment to building a winning culture, has invested heavily in his coaching staff, including Barthel. Leaving after such a short time could be seen as a sign of instability, which might not sit well with some fans and players in Nebraska.

Moreover, while Texas offers a larger stage and more resources, there’s no guarantee that Barthel would have the same immediate success at Texas that he’s experienced in his early years at Nebraska. Texas is a program with its own set of expectations and pressure, and transitioning to that environment could take time.

2. Competition at Texas

Another challenge Barthel might face is the intense competition within the Texas program. While coaching at a school like Texas is undoubtedly attractive, the coaching staff is filled with high-profile individuals, including experienced recruiters and former head coaches. Establishing a foothold in such a competitive environment would require Barthel to be at the top of his game.

Texas, as a top-tier program, already has an established culture, which means that Barthel would need to prove himself as an indispensable asset to the coaching staff in order to maintain his position. The added pressure and visibility of working at a national powerhouse could be difficult to navigate.

What Could This Mean for Nebraska and Texas?

If E.J. Barthel does decide to leave Nebraska for Texas, the Cornhuskers would be losing one of their rising stars on the coaching staff. The running backs position, which has shown significant improvement under Barthel’s guidance, would need a new coach to continue the development of players like Anthony Grant and future recruits. Given that Nebraska is in the midst of a rebuild, losing a key assistant could potentially delay some of the progress the program is making.

On the other hand, for Texas, landing Barthel would represent a major boost to their already impressive recruiting operation and provide additional expertise in developing running backs. With the Longhorns looking to become national title contenders, bringing in a coach with Barthel’s skill set could help them take the next step in their growth as a program.