New Beginning
I hope everybody had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and was able to take some time to enjoy friends and family. My wife and I spent the week with our family in Colorado and then traveled to Boulder to watch the Huskers play. I wish Friday could have been as enjoyable as the days leading up to the game, unfortunately it was just as miserable as most Saturday’s this past year. I just don’t get it, I sit in the stands and look down to the field and I see a group of kids that are physically more gifted than our opponent; bigger, faster, stronger, everything you want when you take the field on gameday. Can the defenses that are being called be that bad or do our guys just not understand what it takes to be successful? I am a firm believer that if you have 11 men on the field that refuse to be blocked and want to make a play, then it doesn’t matter what defense is called. You should be able to play base defense all day and still be able to compete. Our guys don’t understand what it takes to play at a winning level. They look like they are pacing themselves out there, exerting just enough energy on each play to make sure that they make it through the entire game. That’s not how you play this game or at least not how I was taught. “Everything you got, every single play!”
It’s never a good day when somebody gets fired but there was no other option. Nebraska football, Nebraska fans, Nebraska players deserve so much more than what they were given the last four years. Coach Osborne did the right thing, the farther this program slides the harder and longer it will take to get it back to the championship level we all once knew. Callahan, I truly believe gave his best, his best just isn’t what Nebraska needed. An NFL coach doesn’t make a college coach, what works in the big leagues doesn’t necessarily work at the collegiate level. It’s too bad he never really tried to understand the tradition of the program and why it is so special to so many people. I don’t want to sit here and talk about all the bad things Cally did, it’s history, he had his shot and failed. I want to talk about the excitement that is surrounding the Husker family right know.
Coach Osborne is traveling the country as we speak looking for the next great head football coach of the University of Nebraska. Who do you guy’s want to lead our beloved Cornhuskers back to the Promised Land? I want to hear who the fans want. For me there is a good group of coaches out there right now. There are some proven head coaches and there are some great up and comers. Names like Jim Grobe, Bo Pelini, Paul Johnson, Bud Foster to name a few. Oh yeah Turner Gill might ring a bell for some of you. I don’t know all the coaches Coach Osborne is going to interview but I sure hope he meets with all of the above. A guy like Jim Grobe, I think would be perfect here, demands a running game out of his players and playing defense with maximum effort is a must. Bo Pelini hasn’t had a head job yet but I know his players love him and they play very motivated. Paul Johnson, the culture he believes in is very Nebraska like, can he make the jump to a big time program. Bud Foster, for you Pelini fans, better take a look at this guy because all he does is put tough, nasty defenses on the field for the last ten years. Turner Gill, he’s played here, coached here, he’s loved here but is that enough on the resume to make sure he can bring the Big Red out of the dead.
We should be prepared for a decision to come fairly quick. I know Coach Osborne doesn’t want this search to drag out like the last time we tried to hire a coach. He wants to make sure we get our first choice this time. I am going to be writing a couple more entries this week because of everything that is going on, so make sure you check back in a few days and don’t forget to give me your comments. I want to know, who you think the next coach of Nebraska is going to be. Later JP
Hey Jason,
Another great article to wrap up the season. Hope we hear more from you during the offseason. As requested, here are some of my personal favorites for the job, in order:
1. Brian Kelly - not exactly the "Husker bred" name you would expect, but this guy has won every where he is been. It is that winning attitude this team needs right now, more than anything.
2. Turner Gill - I think Gill is ready for the big stage. If he can take an awful Buffalo team, that won 5 games in 8 years, before he showed up, and take them to 5 wins in conference in his 2nd year, he has some coaching expertise. The Nebraska ties don't hurt either.
3. Bo Pelini - he'll whip the defense back into shape real quick. He has the athletes right now, they just need a kick from Bo to get jump started. Bo Pelini combined with a great offensive coordinator would be an excellent route to go.
4. Bill Cowher - not sure if he is a possibility, or if he'd even be interested considering he'd probably have his pick of opening NFL jobs next fall. But, why take a runt NFL team when you can bring back one of the greatest college football programs of all time other than money (which he has plenty of). If he was interested, he would EASILY be my top pick.
Just a few there. Take care Jason.
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Personally,I still believe Lloyd Carr has a couple of championship seasons left in him and I do think he could get the Husker program untracked and back on top!!
Lloyd's a winner, and tougher than a boiled combat boot!
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As a Husker fan living in Big Televen country, you do not want Lloyd Carr. He old and tired that's not what we need. This season has taken a lot out of him.
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Are you insane? That would be the equivalent of hiring Mack Brown; another coach with an infinite amount of talent but can't coach his way out of a wet paper bag. Why do you think we were able to beat them two years ago at the Alamo Bowl? I'm not interested in switching from dumb to dumber...
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Well my first choice would be...
Tom Osborne LOL!
Seeing how that is unlikely, I'll trust Tom's choice to bring back the fierceness that we are so sadly lacking.
My comment, or rather question, is this. Given the abundance of talent and the lack of intensity, does anyone think that these players might have been saving themselves for the NFL? I know it sounds goofy, but even without a combine invite many of the players could get looked at individually. That question being asked, do you think this lead may have come, intentionally or unintentionally from a head coach that openly bragged that he could show players how to get to the next level? I mean Marlon Lucky actually admitted that he was cruising along on autopilot for much of this season, what di you think? It sure would explain a lot...
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Hey Jason,
I don't think you can have any other option than Pelini. I think that most of the other coaches named would do good here, but I just feel that if we don't get Bo now, we'll be kicking our selves down the road. The downside to him though, is that it may take a little bit longer for him to bring this program back than some of the other guys, but in the long run I truly believe he is the best choice.
I believe this because, you have to be someone special for a Nebraskan to truly embrace you, especially for only being here one year. I think with him you have 3-5 years of rocky seasons, but the one thing that you'll never see is a lack of intensity on the field. At times this season you could see the players, as you would say, loafing, I can guarentee that would not happen with him at the helm. Other than intensity, our biggest problem is defense, and we know he knows how to scheme defensivley. Is he the greatest defensive coordinator out there? Probably not, but he doesn't do anything to hurt you either.
The other thing that I would like to see is Shawn Watson stay on as offensive coordinator. I think he had a good grasp of this style of offense, and it would be good for the players if a couple of familiar faces stuck around. Also I think he would bring back a solid power running game mixed with a good passing attack, The offense seemed to have a little bit of a better spark to it when he became more involved.
So those are some of my thoughts on coaches. I'll be listening to the show tomarrow to get your thoughts on who you would like to see. So take care, and keep up the good work.
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Well My first choice is still Turner Gill...I know it's not the popular vote, But I have my reasons and I am sticking with them. I have no doubt he is and would be an effective leader, has integrity, a great work ethic and all you would want from a head coach
eccept of course the experience factor.
He is known as a good recruiter.
A head coach can't do it all on his own, he has to surround himself with talented assistants too.
Pelini's been getting torched lately by big numbers, but that can happen in an attacking high reward high risk defensive style.
I feel that Turner got totaly disrespected by Pederson, hell he was assistant head coach and Pelini was appointed by Pederson to be the interim
head coach...I don't care what the reasoning was that was out of line.
If Nebraska wants to ever get back to
what was right then they as a program and we as fan base better figure out the difference between right and wrong
and bring loyalty to the program back into the mindset.
Pride and loyalty along with burning desire to succeeed is what built the tradition.
But no matter what happens, I have faith in T.O. and he certainly knows alot better than me about what is best
and who he chooses to entrust his baby to this time.
I will get behind whoever he chooses without questioning his judgement and maybe one day I can again shed tears for a coaching staff, his group of dedicated, hard working young men and a state of great fans and then be accused a secong time for actually being passionate about something.
Dang I feel sorry for this group of players and the winter conditioning they are in for...nope I don't envy them at all lol....might weed out a few quitters and emege in the spring with a few true leaders I have a feeling.
Thanks Jason,
For giving us this little corner away from the message boards to air some thoughts and frustrations during this
crazy time.
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Jason,
Love the blog and the show. Don't know who SHOULD be coach...although I'm big on Jim Grobe. One name I'm just surprised we're not hearing is Dan Mullen, OC of Florida.
Like TO in his time, this is a young, cutting edge coach who could make a home here for a long time.
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JP
Totally love the idea of Bud foster myself. He coaches up one helluva a Defense year in and year out, his boys have the exact type of intensity we USED to show and need again. And he comes from the program that has probably the best special teams over the last decade, that had to have rubbed off on him. There is the cure to what ails us in my opinion. We will be fine on Offense (if we don't try to revert back to run all the time that is) as long as we stay within our ability horizon.
On another aspect of this, I dont want this search to drag out, but I think it should take more than a few days to find our coach. I would not be disappointed if we waited until next Monday or so to name our new HC.
I am looking forward to hearing your show and your thoughts on this all week.
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I'm surprised that there is only one "yea" in the comments section for Foster (so far). I dropped his name on another board on Friday or Saturday and got a couple "who's that?" responses. I do, however, think he's worth a look. Some bells should go off about Bo being a poor recruiter (recruiting is NOT everything, but it sounds like he doesn't like it in the least).
All I know is that I'm glad that I don't have to make this decision!
JP-- been looking for an entry all weekend, glad to see it and to so that you didn't take the low road and pile on Cally. My opinion about him as HC doesn't differ much from yours or anyone else's out there, but he did his best and everything crashed around him-- that has to hurt like hell.
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Jason,
Why has Kevin Steele's name not come up as a potential head coach? It seems he has a lot of the attributes we are looking for. Great at recruiting, defense oriented, knowledge of our program and traditions. I know you must know him. What are your thoughts?
Thanks, Rick
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Personally, I like the idea of either Brian Kelly or Bo Pelini. We have all seen the fire Pelini brings to the table and would love to see it back. As for Kelly, I have heard several national columnists refer to him as the next Urban Meyer. I wonder who in this country wouldn't want the next Urban Meyer.
Have great day all! Brighter days are ahead.
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This is just mind wrenching! This descision is so huge! Though I do think anyone we get is gonna be better than Coz/Cally, but we want something w/promise in the future. something that's gonna stabilize this program for 15 years or more, on both sides of the ball. The head coach is obviously huge, but I believe you need excellent assistant coaches guys that work directly w/position players somebody that can TEACH them technique and extract all possbile ability out of these kids(watching these D-lineman was so painful on Fri. on every replay our guys would just go w/the O-line flow and not try to disrupt anything, and the tackles always have there hands down underneath the O-lineman, shouldn't they have there hands up and heads on a swivle? frustrating regardless). There are a lot of great coaches out there but how would they fit at NU is hard to say. I think Gill or Pelini would be a great fit for HC, but then you immediatley have to look at assistants. Personally I would like to see Pelini as HC and Gill as AssistantHC and OC, Then you have the best of both worlds NU ties and some fire w/pelini and stability and a certain calmness w/Gill. Bring in Dan McCarney for DC and Scott Frost as LB's coach and Marvin Sanders as DB's coach. What about you, your brother, or Grant as D-line coach, you still get me fired up when i hear you talkin', just a thought! On the offense maybe try to retain Shawn Watson as QB's coach or a more expanded role, if willing, and find a nasty run first line coach to teach these guys to block downhill and not these freaking soft stretch plays. Eiter way it's gonna be an exciting couple of weeks to say the least. GO BIG RED
P.S. - Loved the Brokeback quote on Friday that was hilarious!!
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Mike,
Your dead on in regards to the assistant coaches. I believe the importance of all the assistant coaches is greater than just 1 man. These are the teachers that are working with the kids everyday, they will be the one who has the most influence on the player. Will it be a great head coach that turns Suh into a stud, NO! It's the position coach who works with him on the field as well as the meeting room. I like the possibilities you mentioned above, having both Gill and Pelini on the same staff. As far as me, Christian or Grant coaching the D-Line, well Christian doesn't have any coaching experience although I think he would do a great job, playing 7 years in the NFL forces you to know a little about football. Grant, I can't speak for him but I am pretty sure he is loving his stress free life, he coached a little H.S. football this past year and is enjoying retirement. As for myself, Nebraska would be the only place I would have interest in coaching, I've coached football in California for a few years at a powerhouse H.S. in Orange County, so I know my way around a football team. Right now I enjoy doing the radio show but I am open to all possibilities. JP
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JP,
I just talked to Christian the other day and he wanted to be mentioned for the head coach position. He said and I quote "all I have to do is hire assistants that are smarter than him and that wouldn't be hard to do." LOL
He's a classic.
Doak
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Christian has my vote! Nice work there Doak, that is funny stuff. I could just picture him saying that.
Roger (in California)
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Jason,
From listening to you on the radio and reading your comments, it's clear to me that you would bring a special kind of intensity and insight into the NU coaching ranks. Any head coach would be a fool to miss getting you on board. You would be my D-line man for sure!
Of course besides yourself I would like to see some position coaches like Scott Frost, Cory Sleschinger and Tom Rathman!
It's not ALL about bleeding Cornhusker Red, but those that have done so KNOW what is going to be expected by the fans and former players.
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I'm not entirely sure Osborne gets the right guy (his last hand picked guy was not the right guy...). Regardless, the next guy will be far and away better than BC. For every good thing BC did, there were two things he didn't get or wouldn't change.
I think the entire list of candidates that has been bandied around so far are all good choices. I think they all bring something to the table. I think the things we should be looking for specifically (beyond the obvious things that have already been stated - college understanding, fire, developer of talent):
- Who else will a coach bring with him. If you hire Bo, who is his desired OC. If its Gill, who is his DC?
- What is the coach's desire to make NU his career? Is the guy coming for the $$$ and prestige, or is he coming to be a part of the family until he retires? Continuity was something that Osborne valued.
I personally want to see Bo. I think he'll surround himself with a staff that will bring the blackshirts back to the nasty swarming defense we all want to see. I think he'll find a good offensive mind that will continue to draw the recruits. I think he'll be raw and make mistakes, but he'll make them full speed.
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We can only hope that the new coach is coming to be part of the family and not just for a paycheck. Pelini would have to learn on the run but if he is smart he would lean on a legend that has an office right above his. He would be good for the defense because he gets the kids to play hard, my biggest question on him is "How good are his scheme's?" Quite a few times this year the opponent has put up some big numbers on his defense. I'm a guy who believes you should be able to play an entire game in base defense so scheme doesn't bother me too much but I thought it would be worth taking a look. JP
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Charles/Jason,
I agree with both of you, but I don't think that Bo is out for the money, I think he wants the chance to be a HC. I think he loved NU, and NU loved him, and I don't think, Pelini or definitely Gill would have a problem asking for TO's opinion on a situation. I do with the combination of the two could some how be worked out.
BC, had the guy right there to ask and he never attempted to ask TO what he would do, I am glad BC is gone that's for sure.
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I think you'd have to really look at the games to understand Pelini's D at LSU. For example, in the Florida game, the D gave up 24 points, but 0 pts in the last 15 minutes - Against a team that has averaged roughly 45 pts a game. As far as I'm concerned, Pelini has a "feel" for calling a defensive game, which helps him. He gets the most out of his talent, and he knows how to use the talent. He makes in-game adjustments. He's not afraid to gamble with his blitzes, and again, he has a good feel for calling them. I don't think he comes in and has the best 4-year stretch of any coach ever or something, but I think that we play nasty next year.
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Jason, if it is Gill, why hasn't anybody asked Tom Osborne if he would be willing to come back for a few years as offensive coordinator? I haven't heard ANYBODY ask this, and it seems like something that sould at least be explored. Tom has said he misses coaching; this will allow him back in (with less work then a head coach), while at the same time mentoring Gill in his first few years.
Will somebody ask Tom if he would be willing to come back as an offensive coordinator under Turner Gill?
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Put down the pipe.
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Jason,
Great comment. My choice for coach would be Bo P. I feel our defense is a real problem right now and he could whip them into shape. My dream team would be the combination of Gill on offense, assistant HC and Bo P as head coach, and then bring back some of you guys, you, Minter, Frasier, Frost, Wistrom, any of you guys that know what it takes to win and compete with passion, heart and determination. I know it will never happen, but it would be a special combination.
I know Pelini doesn't have long term HC-ing experience, but he has to start somewhere and be given the chance, what better place needs a coach that knows defense, our biggest need right now. I also think that Watson, would not be a bad idea to keep for offense, Ganz knows that system and with the right coaching, he could be very successful next year.
What do you think and who is your first choice. I am so glad the nightmare is over, I will support whatever coach is brought in, I just want the real Huskers to please STAND UP, or let us at least find them again.
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My guess would be Turner Gill based upon Coach Osborne's writings and beliefs.
I truly wish people would take a second look at Pelini and his resume against spread/high octane offenses in pressure situations. He ALWAYS gets torched. Big time. Yet that NEVER comes up in conversation with him, which is ridiculous. If for some bizarre reason TO does hire Pelini, don't expect any championships.
There is also the belief that when Tressel retires from OSU they'd come straight after Pelini.
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I just finished writing the same concern on Pelini in another comment. His defenses have given up some major points in a few games this year, it is a major concern in my mind. I hope the next coach will see this job as a destination and not just a layover. This program needs stability, it's the foundation this program was built on. JP
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I think it's a real big concern and isn't mentioned enough.
He does have a big problem defending spread O's and it's not like he doesn't have talent there at LSU lol.
Prob 2-3 first rounders.
Sure if your goal is 7-5 consitently, then Pelini's the guy.
I also think his personality would
do damage to many relationships with assistants.
He's a hothead and if he was in charge and knew the buck stopped with him, then what happens if things go bad?
If he has no problem chasing down an opposing coach after a game and chewing his ass, crying like a girly man about running up the score, then how will he handle other tough situations.
If you don't want the score ran up on you then devise a bettwer defensive game plan fool, don't cry like baby when you don't get the job done.
Hell no I don't want that type of whiner as my head coach.
Shut up ,say congrats with a little humbleness, and get back to work the next week to prevent it from ever happening again.
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I haven't studied Pelini and his system much but if what you state is true about his defense. "He ALWAYS gets torched against spread/high octane offenses in pressure situations." Then we don't want him do we? Kansas, Colorado, Mizzou, T-Tech, OSU, aTm, all currently run some type of spread, and Texas did when it had VY. That is more than half the conference. We can't afford to not be able to defend the spread.
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One thing you are forgetting, there is no solution to defending the spread as of this moment other then having better players man for man, position for position. Do a Google on defending the spread or send a e-mail or call into some of the weekly talk shows with pro or college coaches and you will get the same answer that as of this moment there is no magic bullet for defending the spread. If someone is bringing the spread you simply have to bring a better team. It exploits weaknesses in defenses that can only be fixed by having 11 better players on the other side of the football not just physically or x's and o's but heart. You need a defense that is going to be able to bounce back from giving up 70 yards in the opening drive against a spread option but have the fire to say "This is my end of the field, my territory, my line marker, and no body is getting by me without some serious physical punishment.". We need a more physical football team that can wear out a team.
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Some really nice ideas there, fellows; very retrospective; much keen insight.
You know, I can recall Woody Hayes WALKING
to Toledo rather than buying gasoline in MICHIGAN; I can still see Bear Bryant chartering a bus for several players ( to take them home) when he believed they were doggin' him at practice.
Coaches such as the likes of Coach Hayes and Coach Bryant, and of course Coach Devaney and Coach Osborne, are legendary
not only because of their winning ways, but because they possessed a constitution that might well have given Leonidas ten more days at Thermopylae!
AND-they demanded the same of their players!
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Gabe,
Nebraska needs a coach like the one's you mentioned. Sometime who demands maximum effort , someone who sets the bar extremely high and won't except anything but excellence. JP
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HC bo peleini- he hires marvin sanders as DC- keep watson as OC get watson to simplify the offense- some sort of spread sytem- mike leach and others use a managable amount of plays with some offerring different twists to them keep joe rudolph and maybe gilmore and busch and we would roll next year!
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Jason, you were GREAT on the pregame show on Channel 7! Can't wait for your radio show this afternoon. GO BIG RED!
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Well at least our competition for coaches just got smaller. No AtM needing a coach now, I guess they hired Mike Sherman aka Callahan south...
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Hey JP...
I know that Pelini and Gill are the fan favorites at this point, mainly because of their ties to the program. It sounds like Coach Osborne would prefer that, but do you think that could eventually limit how successful this program could become in the future?
I think Paul Johnson would bring the discipline of the Academy and that would be a step in the right direction.
Or how about Brent Venables?? I can't believe I haven't seen that name mentioned more often. He's very recognized, even as a coordinator and think he's ready for a HC job. He knows what it takes to win in the Big XII and would respect the traditions that you and your brothers have built.
What do you think about BV?
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Brotha dawg - good stuff each week.
Like you, I am excited and glad things are changing for the better. I see your list of guys & would like to add one since you asked. I hope there is serious consideration for Chris Petersen (HC Boise State). He is 22-2, he beat OU in the Fiesta Bowl (Huge win), he is young, motivated, players & fans love him, and he was their OC for 5 years prior to taking over the job. I'm sure someone is going to swoop him up at some point. Hate to look back and think "what if".
I like Gill, cant stand Pelini. The other candidates are decent. But is that what is needed? Just glad the decision is in Dr. Tom's hands. Whoever he picks, I will support.
Thanks JP, keep up the good stuff and keeping it real.
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I am for either Bo or Turner, or even both, but I don't think Bo would come back to Nebraska as an Assistant - Only has a head coach, but Turner does have alot of ties to Lincoln.....
I believe that Osborne will not rush to a decision and he will hire the one who best fits what he is looking for - Intensity and Integrity....
One aspect that doesn't seem to be mentioned is the possibility of Osborne mentoring the new hire... Why not hire someone who is up and coming, but not there yet and mentor them for a few years so they can understand the program and traditions... Crazy idea I know, but it worked for a guy down south with the last name Stoops.....
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J.P I enjoy your articles, and your blog. I want to see Bo as head coach, but here is a name I want to throw out as a possible assistant head Coach. Jon Tenuta @ G.T. Chan Gailey just got fired, so he will be a sought after coach. His defenses with his zone blitz packages are tough on spread offenses, Since everybody in the Big 12 wants to play them. If Bo is the next head coach, he will a great assistant coach/recruiter I think Tenuta is someone who is a rising star in the coaching ranks, what do you think?
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How about this? Chris Peterson HC-maybe he hires Marvin Sanders as DC and we would be vey,very good right away! Hope TO covers all these kinds of bases.
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My vote would be for Bo but at the same time Jason makes a great case with Bud Foster who had the top total defenses in 2005 and 2006. I think either of them couldn't go wrong and hostly I would lean towards Bud or Bo because of our upcoming schedule. Bo showed he knows what it takes to shut down Oklahoma and with them in our midst for the next two season I'd want him on my sideline if possible. Bud would also be good because of the amazing defenses he has produced in recent years not to mention we will be playing his Hookies in the next two years. Either way bring someone who can rebuild the blackshirts. Its been said a million times over but the majority of the time in football it is defense that win football games. All of our loses should reflect that. On a normal day the offensive stats we stacked up should = a win but considering how pitiful our defense has been it did not = a win. There are some serious problems for our blackshirts ... don't make the same mistake twice ... don't let the blackshirts become a dieing breed.
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Jason,
Thank you for the insight and comments you have been providing. I have a question: Unfortunately, it appears a culture of losing has enveloped our present players...(or to be more precise), a culture that when our guys get punched in the mouth, they don't get angrier and fight back harder but rather seem to roll over and die very easily.
Anyone who takes over will have the immediate task of challenging and changing that mindset and
re-establishing the mentality that served you, your teammates and our program so well for so long.
In your opinion, how is that done during the offseason? Granted, when 2008 starts, getting some wins will do wonders for team confidence and morale but I know there is so much more behind the scenes that goes into building (or in our case, rebuilding)team confidence. Great coaches have done this before to be sure but I'm wondering if you can provide some further insight since I am just a supporter and do not see what all goes on behind the scenes.
Thank you and I wish you and yours (and all Husker fans) my best Holiday wishes.
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Good Job Jason! I would like a Head Coach that knows the Husker Tradition and do what it takes to get wins. Also, bring back the walk on program that has been the back bone of Husker Football! Keep up the good work.
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JP,
It's great to have you back!
Coach Pelini IS the correct man for the job.As Marvin Sanders once said,"His players give effort unlike anybody else. He has an aura that makes guys want to play for him." He's a blue collar boy from Youngstown, OH.(Steel Country) Played for Bob and Mike Stoops father, at Cardinal Mooney H.S. He was a standout free safety at Ohio State(87-90) earning academic All-Big Ten 3 years, and was team captain his Sr. year. After 9 years coaching defense in the NFL(7 playoff teams), he came to the Huskers in 2003.(#2 scoring defense)His 1 career game as Head Coach against Michigan St. in the Alamo Bowl(17-3 victory) they held MSU to 174yds.(210 below their avg.) Sacked QB Jeff Smoker 5 times and intercepted him 3 times. In 2004 at Oklahoma(#11 scoring Def.) In 2005 at LSU(#3 scoring Def.) 2006 at LSU(#4 scoring Def.) According to Coach Pelini, his defensive philosophy is "not a system, rather a mindset... FULLOUT 4 QUARTERS!" JP, he'll bring Marvin Sanders back for sure and hopefully you'll be our D line coach! HELL YEA!! The GANG TACKLING will be back! I trust TO totally, but please, please bring back Coach Pelini. GBR GBR GBR
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Is anyone else a little curious about the loyalty of Cosgrove. Ultimately, Callahan got fired because of his refusal to address the problem of the defense, being headed by his good friend KC. In the end, BC gets fired (albeit with a very nice severance check), but KC is kept on staff. Personally, I would have liked to see KC resign out of loyalty to his friend who lost his job.
Maybe that's wishful thinking, but it would be nice for him to show his friend some love.
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Grobe keeps getting brought up but I think he's much more of a risk than Gill or Pelini. Sure, he's won some coaching awards (ACC coach and AP coach of the year), but there are some strikingly similar stats. He's won only around half the games he's ever coached. Sounds pretty similar to Callahan to me.
Also, this is a guy that even Callahan managed to beat twice. The first time in Lincoln they gave Wake a beating and Wake went on to win the ACC, so I doubt it's a lack of talent. Also, Grobe is on contract with Wake through 2016. Also, he is pretty unfamiliar with our tradition other than what he's seen from the opposing sideline (if you can call what we had while Cally was here tradition). There are too many question marks.
Osborne said it himself: that losing isn't so bad as long as we're competitive. We sure as hell wouldn't have that problem with Pelini or Gill. They'd at least play their hearts out, so why not give one of them a shot?
Overall, I think we're still trying to recover from Osborne. The man is a legend, and how often do coaches like that come along? The reality is we might not be competing for national championships or conference championships for the next few years (especially with KU and Mizzou playing like they have this season). We've become a little spoiled. Not saying Cally didn't need to go, because he certainly did. Losing isn't always the end of the world. I've never minded when the Huskers have lost, as long as they've played well. That's all any of us can ask for.
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Keep in mind that Grobe is at a school that has a similar number of students as Lincoln High did when I went there. The standards to get in to Wake Forest are on par with Duke. And you also need to keep in mind that he coaches football at a basketball school. It is not like he can recruit just anybody, he has a very limited pool of student athletes. I am not one that wants Grobe as coach, but don't undervalue the mans accomplishments, what he has done at Wake is remarkable, nothing less.
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I apologize for that. I was unaware exactly how small Wake is. They only have around 4000 students, and yes, they are first and foremost a basketball school. I knew as soon as I found that out I had stuck my foot in my mouth. I'm not on the Grobe bandwagon, but now I see why others are.
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Bought season tickets to Wake to see Husker game, but was impressed by their performance all year. If Skinner (starting Q
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That's what Grobe does, he takes average talent and gets them to play hard and inspired. Think what he could do with the kids that we have. JP
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Jim Grobe should be the guy.
Don't take the risk with Bo and Gill.
Go Huskers!!!
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Jason,
Why hasnt Monte Kiffin's name been mentioned in the search, is he a legit candidate or not? I heard on ESPN today that his son, Lane, was quoted as saying that his dad wanted the nebraska job quite dearly and that there would be a possibility of the Ol Miss coach joining him as a coordinator since the two are close friends. Have you heard any truth to this or have an opinion on it?
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