Cincinnati co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Hank Hughes is headed to Nebraska as defensive line coach and co-defensive coordinator.

The Cincinnati Enquirer confirmed the news with Cincinnati head coach Tommy Tuberville via text message.

Hughes shared the defensive coordinator job with Robert Prunty, and called the defense on game day. It was the first year in Cincinnati for Hughes, who spent the previous 13 seasons at Connecticut.

Cincinnati finished the 2014 season 96th in total defense.

Hughes brings a wealth of experience to Lincoln, having spent 36 years in the coaching ranks. He had two different stints as UConn’s defensive coordinator, and during that span the Huskies had several nationally-ranked defenses, made five bowl appearances and won a share of two conference championships.

Hughes’ teams at UConn were always stout against the run. They finished in the Top 25 in run defense in 2011, 2012 and 2013, finishing fourth, seventh and 25th respectively.

Prior to UConn, he had stops with Memphis, Harvard, James Madison, Lafayette and several high schools in his career. Nebraska will be his furthest west job of his career.Â

In recruiting Hughes is responsible of two of Cincinnati’s linebacker commitments and he’sÂ previouslyÂ had some success going into the JUCO ranks,Â something he could be asked to do again with the Huskers.

#UC co-defensive coordinator Hank Hughes is headed to Nebraska as co-DC/D-line coach. #Bearcats — Tom Groeschen (@TomGroeschen) January 3, 2015





