Matt Rhule knows coaching means dealing with criticism, especially when a team is struggling. But when fans direct their anger at his family, he says, that crosses a line.
Coaches can face harsh reactions online, at schools and in public. Some fans seem to believe buying a ticket gives them license to say anything. Rhule says he can accept criticism of his work at Nebraska, but not attacks on his children.
Speaking Monday, after Nebraska let a fourth-quarter lead slip away against Washington, Rhule described an encounter involving his 13-year-old daughter. He said a man approached her and insulted both her and her father.
Rhule said he had told his daughter he would consider stepping away if coaching meant his children had to grow up in that kind of environment. He later made clear he is not quitting or leaving Nebraska.
“I’m not leaving. I’m not quitting. I’m fighting for those people,” Rhule said, referring to Nebraska’s supporters. He also urged people not to question the effort of the players, his staff or himself.
It’s fair to criticize a coach’s decisions and results. But that doesn’t extend to threats or abuse aimed at family members, particularly children. Coaches in various sports have sometimes needed extra security for their families, or have chosen to keep relatives away from games when tensions rise.
Social media can make those situations worse, and some fans take their frustration far beyond what a game warrants. A coach’s salary doesn’t mean the personal impact of losing disappears. And a 13-year-old should not be targeted because of a parent’s job.
