Mike Dawson returns to Huskers to coach outside linebackers

LINCOLN, NE (AP) - Mike Dawson is returning to Nebraska to coach outside linebackers after spending the 2019 season in the NFL.

“I am thrilled to bring Mike Dawson back to Nebraska to re-join our coaching staff,” Head Coach Scott Frost said in a statement. “Coach Dawson has a great history with our coaching staff and brings all of the attributes we look for in an assistant coach.  He is a man of great character, has outstanding defensive acumen and knowledge of our defensive system, is a proven teacher and recruiter and relates well to his players.”

Dawson coached the Cornhuskers' defensive line in 2018. He was the New York Giants' outside linebackers coach this past season. Dawson previously coached the defensive line for Frost at Central Florida.

Dawson replaces Jovan Dewitt, who left to take an assistant's job at North Carolina.

“I am excited to rejoin Coach Frost and the rest of the Nebraska staff in Lincoln,” Dawson said. “The opportunity to coach at a school with Nebraska’s football tradition and commitment is special. I am fired up to represent the N, and sell Husker Football and the University of Nebraska to young men around the country."

Nebraska also extended the contracts of assistant coaches Greg Austin, Travis Fisher and Ryan Held. Each has a contract now running through 2021.