Could Running Backs Coach E.J. Barthel Leave Nebraska for the Texas Longhorns?
As the college football coaching carousel spins, rumors and speculation about potential staff changes swirl throughout the offseason. One such situation that has captured the attention of fans and analysts alike involves Nebraska Cornhuskers running backs coach E.J. Barthel, whose name has recently been linked to the Texas Longhorns. Could Barthel, who has shown tremendous promise in his short tenure at Nebraska, leave for an opportunity with one of the premier programs in college football?
At the heart of this speculation is the understanding that Texas, under head coach Steve Sarkisian, has been aggressive in bolstering its coaching staff to remain competitive at the highest level. With the Longhorns aiming to solidify their already potent offense, a move for Barthel would add another talented and energetic coach to their staff, especially given Barthel’s recent success with Nebraska’s running backs.
In this article, we’ll explore the possibility of E.J. Barthel leaving Nebraska for Texas, the impact his potential departure could have on both programs, and why Texas might be interested in bringing him aboard.
Who is E.J. Barthel?
E.J. Barthel is a young and dynamic coach who has made a name for himself in the world of college football, particularly in his short time at Nebraska. He has demonstrated a knack for developing running backs, building strong relationships with his players, and making a significant impact in a relatively short period. Prior to his role at Nebraska, Barthel held coaching positions at both the professional and collegiate levels, gaining experience with several programs.
Barthel’s coaching career began in 2015 when he worked as an offensive assistant for the New York Giants, where he gained valuable insight into the professional game. After that, he transitioned to the college level, spending time coaching running backs and working as an offensive coordinator in various roles. His success at previous stops helped him secure a position at Nebraska in 2022, where he took over as the Cornhuskers’ running backs coach under former head coach Scott Frost.
At Nebraska, Barthel was tasked with coaching a position group that has historically been a cornerstone of the program. Nebraska has long been known for producing dominant running backs, and Barthel was brought in to continue that tradition while also developing the next generation of stars. Despite the challenges facing the program, Barthel has been a key player in keeping the Cornhuskers’ running game competitive.
E.J. Barthel’s Impact at Nebraska
Since taking over as Nebraska’s running backs coach, Barthel has helped to revitalize the team’s running game. One of his most significant achievements has been the development of standout running backs like Anthony Grant, who emerged as one of the team’s most consistent and dynamic playmakers. Grant, a transfer from the junior college ranks, benefitted greatly from Barthel’s coaching, improving his vision, ball security, and overall performance on the field.
Barthel’s ability to connect with his players and help them reach their full potential has become one of his defining qualities. He is known for his high-energy coaching style, attention to detail, and emphasis on the fundamentals. Under Barthel’s guidance, Nebraska’s running backs have shown considerable improvement, and his influence has been evident in the way the team’s running game has progressed.
Moreover, Barthel has been instrumental in recruiting for the running back position. Nebraska has been able to attract high-quality running back prospects under Barthel’s watch, further enhancing the program’s future. His reputation as a developer of talent and his relationships within the recruiting world make him an appealing figure for any program looking to strengthen their backfield.
The Texas Longhorns and Their Search for a Running Backs Coach
The Texas Longhorns have long been one of the premier programs in college football, and under head coach Steve Sarkisian, the team has made significant strides toward returning to national prominence. With a high-powered offense led by rising stars like quarterback Quinn Ewers and talented skill players such as running back Bijan Robinson (who entered the NFL Draft in 2023), Sarkisian has built a formidable offensive unit in Austin.
One of the areas that Texas has sought to improve is the running back position. While the Longhorns have boasted one of the most dynamic and talented running back corps in recent memory, Sarkisian is known for his attention to detail and his drive to make his team better in every area possible. After Robinson’s departure, there’s a need to not only replace his production but to continue developing the next wave of stars in the Texas backfield.
Texas’ running backs have shown flashes of brilliance, with players like Roschon Johnson and Keilan Robinson stepping up in Robinson’s absence. However, bringing in a coach with a proven track record of developing running backs could elevate the program to even greater heights. E.J. Barthel, with his energy, ability to develop talent, and success at Nebraska, could be a natural fit for Texas in this role.
In addition to the need to replace Robinson’s production, the Longhorns have been looking to further develop their overall offensive strategy. With Barthel’s proven ability to coach running backs and his experience in handling elite talent, his potential addition to Sarkisian’s staff could give the Longhorns a fresh edge in their recruitment of top-tier running back prospects and solidify their position as one of the top programs in the nation.
What Would Barthel’s Departure Mean for Nebraska?
If E.J. Barthel were to leave Nebraska for Texas, it would certainly be a blow to the Cornhuskers program. Barthel has played a critical role in helping Nebraska develop its running back group and revitalize the ground game, which is essential to the team’s offensive identity. His departure could leave a gap in the coaching staff, requiring a quick search for a replacement capable of continuing the progress made under Barthel’s tutelage.
Furthermore, Nebraska would lose an important piece of its recruiting efforts in the running back position. Barthel has established himself as a key figure in recruiting at the position, and any loss in that department could potentially affect Nebraska’s ability to land top-tier talent in the future. However, given that Nebraska has had success with its running back pipeline over the years, the program could ultimately find a capable successor to Barthel if necessary.
On the other hand, Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule is known for his ability to build strong coaching staffs, and the Cornhuskers would likely look to bring in a coach with a similar skill set and ability to develop players. While Barthel’s departure would certainly sting, Nebraska has the resources and reputation to continue recruiting high-quality running back talent and developing future stars.
The Final Verdict: Could Barthel Leave for Texas?
As of now, E.J. Barthel’s potential departure from Nebraska to Texas remains speculative. However, it is clear that both programs are at pivotal junctures in their development, and Barthel’s name has certainly surfaced as a potential target for Texas.
While Barthel has made significant strides at Nebraska and has developed strong relationships with his players, a move to Texas would undoubtedly be a tempting opportunity. Texas is one of the most prestigious programs in college football, and a chance to work under Steve Sarkisian, a head coach with an offensive pedigree, could be a major career boost for Barthel. Additionally, Texas’ resources, national stage, and ability to compete for championships could provide Barthel with the chance to further elevate his career.
However, the ultimate decision will depend on a variety of factors, including Barthel’s relationship with the Nebraska staff, the allure of Texas, and his long-term professional goals. As of now, it’s unclear whether Barthel will make the move, but it is a situation worth keeping an eye on as the offseason unfolds.
For Nebraska, losing Barthel would be a significant loss, but the program will undoubtedly look to continue its progress regardless of what happens. For Texas, bringing Barthel on board would be a major win, and it would add another talented coach to an already promising staff.
As the coaching carousel continues to turn, E.J. Barthel’s next move remains uncertain, but his ability to develop running backs and recruit elite talent will make him a highly sought-after asset in the college football world.