Bill Belichick Drew a Huge Crowd at Nebraska Coaching Clinic, but Next Year's Event Could Be Even Bigger

800-plus attended from near and far to hear New England Patriots icon; Huskers' Matt Rhule sets sights on 1,200 in 2025

Bill Belichick spoke for 4½ hours during last week's clinic in Lincoln. / Bob Breidenbach / USA TODAY NETWORK

When Nebraska announced Bill Belichick as a guest speaker for the Nebraska Football X&O’s Clinic in February, news spread quickly, and tickets were bought at an unbelievable rate.

More than 800 coaches from all over the country including states like Hawaii, Maryland, Texas, California and Wyoming were in attendance to hear the eight-time Super Bowl champion from speak. To compare, 300 coaches attended last season’s event.

Belichick spoke to the Husker coaching staff for 4½ hours recalling moments throughout his career that spanned decades highlighted by 23 seasons at the helm of the New England Patriots.

“Three and a half hours in, I was like, ‘Coach, would you like a water? A cup of coffee? Would you like to use the restroom?’ Because I desperately had to use the restroom,” Nebraska coach Matt Rhule said. “And he was like, ‘I’m fine, man.’ And I was like, ‘Yes, sir.’”

Rhule expects next year’s clinic to reach at least 1,200 coaches and thinks that’s possible because he’s creating an event that people want to attend. It’s a reflection on the program and culture he’s building in Lincoln.

“The product is representative of the way that we do things, and so that hopefully tells people if I send my players to play at the University of Nebraska, no stone’s gonna be left unturned,” Rhule said. “And I don’t know about you guys that have kids, isn’t that what you want for your kids? Our kids have to go figure things out on their own, but we want there to be a plan. And so we’re not perfect, but we’re certainly trying to be, and that’s the message at the clinic.”