First-year safeties coach Tyler Yelk is excited to return to college football. The new coach spent the last three seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Yelk spent three seasons with the Eagles in various support roles, including serving as an assistant to the head coach and a defensive assistant. He was a part of the Eagles coaching staff that won the Super Bowl.
He spent 14 years in the college ranks, including as the defensive backs coach at Temple and the safeties coach at Idaho. Yelk has a relationship with new defensive coordinator Rob Aurich, having coached the safeties for the Vandals for one season under Aurich.
Idaho ranked fifth in the FCS in interceptions (16) in 2022. The Vandals also ranked in the top 25 in pass defense (19th) and team pass-defense efficiency (23rd).
While speaking to the media, the safeties coach was clear that the new staff is all on the same page.
“In one word, seamlessly. That’s a credit to Rob. His ability, his emotional IQ- everybody is confident, teetering on arrogant in this profession, and to be able to humble yourself, to be a part of something bigger than you, is what we all have to do. Everybody has done that, but we're ultimately aligned due to Rob’s leadership.”
Aurich came to Nebraska after spending one season at San Diego State. He replaces John Butler, who only spent one season in Lincoln before being dismissed by Matt Rhule.
Aurich's hire brings about a philosophical shift for the defense, as he runs a 4-2-5. The Huskers have run a 3-3-5 scheme over the past three seasons.
Nebraska opens the 2026 season on Saturday, Sept. 5, when the Ohio Bobcats visit Memorial Stadium. Kickoff time is set for 11 a.m. CT and can be seen on FS1.
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This article originally appeared on Cornhuskers Wire: Nebraska safeties coach ready for return to college football