Bob Wager, hired by Matt Rhule to become Nebraska tight ends coach back in December, has stepped down from the position days before fall camp.
The school shared the announcement on Friday with a statement directly from Wager.
“It is with great remorse that I resign from my position as assistant football coach at the University of Nebraska,” the statement read. “Earlier this week I received a citation for a driving offense that I regret immensely. I am grateful for the opportunity extended to me, and sincerely sorry for any negativity my poor decision has brought to my family, our team, our staff, and all those that I have disappointed.”
According to a police report, Wager was cited in downtown Lincoln at 1:24 a.m. Wednesday morning for open container, careless driving, refusal of a preliminary sobriety test, refusal of chemical BAC test and driving under the influence with a BAC level over .15.
Wager coached high school football in Texas for 26 seasons, accruing a 206-100-1 record, before coming to Nebraska. He spent the final 17 seasons of his career at Arlington Martin, where he went 143-64-1 and made the playoffs every year. Arlington Martin had eight different 10-win seasons during Wager’s tenure. Those honors led him to coach the Under Armour All-America Game 10 times, including as head coach in 2022. Former No. 1 NFL Draft pick Myles Garrett played for Wager at Arlington Martin.
Josh Martin, a special teams analyst, has been elevated to tight ends coach as Wager’s replacement. Martin was previously a full-time assistant at Arizona State and SMU. He coached tight ends all four years at SMU, directly coaching multiple NFL Draft picks at the position. Martin also spent time as a special teams coach his final few years in Dallas. He spent four seasons at Arizona State, starting with work on the offensive line and then transitioning to running backs and tight ends. Martin has additional coaching experience as an analyst on the offensive and defensive lines at Texas Tech. He also coached the offensive line at his alma mater, Tarleton State (FCS).
Martin is also the son of Joe Martin, the current President of the Texas High School Coaches Association and Hall of Fame coach.
