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LINCOLN — Nebraska coach Mike Riley let go of Husker defensive line coach Hank Hughes on Friday. Riley announced the move in a late afternoon press release.

“I want to thank Hank for his hard work and contributions to our football program over the past year,” Riley said. “We continue to build our program with the pursuit of championships always at the forefront of everything we do, and we will look for a great coach, teacher and recruiter to enhance our defense.”

Hughes did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

On the advice of NU defensive coordinator Mark Banker — who played football with Hughes at Springfield (Mass.) College — Riley last January had hired Hughes away from Cincinnati to hire coach the Huskers' defensive line. Hughes signed a two-year, $300,000-per-year contract at that time. Since the contract expires in Jan. 2017, Hughes would be owed the final year of his contract — minus whatever salary he might make at some other job — if he was fired without cause.