Nebraska Cornhuskers coach Mike Riley announced the dismissal Wednesday of defensive coordinator Mark Banker, who coached with Riley for 20 seasons at four stops.
Banker, in his second year at Nebraska, directed a unit that ranked 10th in the Big Ten in 2016 in yards per play allowed, yards per rushing attempt and passing yards per game.
The Cornhuskers, who improved from 6-7 in the first season under Riley and Banker to 9-4, struggled defensively to close the season in a 40-10 loss to Iowa, followed by a 38-24 defeat to Tennessee in the Music City Bowl.