Hey Buddy
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December 15, 2006 by
Following the loss of defensive line coach John Blake, the Huskers moved quickly to hire Buddy Wyatt, the Alabama defensive line coach to the same position at Nebraska. While you don’t go quite to the lengths that Frank Solich did in taking over for Tom Osborne when he said, “You don’t replace a Tom Osborne so much as you follow him”, it’s true that Buddy Wyatt follows Blake rather than replaces him. While Wyatt has shown many of the great qualities Blake had (including a nice resume as a position coach and a good track record recruiting), you can’t declare him an upgrade (at least not yet). But he certainly cushions the loss of Blake in a number of ways.
Coaching
Even though head coach Mike Shula was dismissed from Alabama, the Crimson Tide defense was ranked higher than Nebraska’s in both total defense and scoring defense each of the last three years. If that’s not a definite upgrade, it certainly does not suggest that there will be any drop-off on defense with Wyatt as a coach.
Recruiting
Wyatt is credited with recruiting six members in the last 2 ½ recruiting classes at Alabama. All players received at least 3-stars from Rivals. More importantly (since recruiting a kid seldom truly involves only one or two coaches), Alabama has had a top 20 recruiting class in each season he’s been part of the program. In 2002 and 2003 (prior to his arrival at Alabama) that was not the case.
Diversity
The elephant in the room here is that Nebraska both as a state and the university trail much of the nation in racial and ethnic diversity. Much of that is simple history and geography, but in a sport that is defined in many ways by diversity, having diversity in a coaching staff is essential in creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable and respected.
Timing
It’s very fortuitous that the Huskers could find a coach of this caliber so quickly. With bowl preparations, etc., the process of finding another coach could have taken weeks or even a few months. This reduces uncertainty for both players and recruits. An added bonus is that Wyatt has already scouted and faced Auburn so he can help the Huskers bowl preparation by reviewing the strengths and weaknesses of Auburn and what worked and didn’t in stopping the Tigers.
Put it all together and you get a very encouraging hire.
Related Coverage:
- Official announcement: Nebraska | Alabama
- Omaha World Herald
- Montgomery Advertiser
- Double Extra Point
- Alabama Blog
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Nick Dec 15 06
Just wanted to say 'Thanks, Steve,' for another fine piece of exactly-what-I-needed-to-hear. Callahan seems to have handled this perfectly, and Husker Nation should stick another proverbial feather in his cap.
Grant Dec 15 06
We should all start to get used to a revolving door at NU. We were spoiled with Osborne and his staff, and those days are over. Callahan has put together a very qualified staff of coaches that excel in recruiting. It was always a matter of time until Blake left, and that is the same for other coaches as well. Busch, Watson, Gilmore, Norvell, & Jordan are young coaches with aspirations of moving up the coaching ladder in their careers. Chances are they will get those opportunities else where, as they should. They are qualified.
Glad NU was able to get an established coach with a good recruiting resume (who is from Texas and recruits Texas very well), but this won't be the last post we see for a coaching change. It's just the nature of college football these days.
Jason Dec 15 06
Good point Grant. In fact, Norvell is being thrown around as a finalist for the Boston College head coaching job.
He might not get that job, but he'll be a head coach sometime soon.
darren Dec 15 06
Nice take on things, Steve. I like this hire too.
I think his history with the conference (coached at CU, A&M, OSU) and his relationships with other current members of this staff are even more reason to be encouraged.
That, and the fact that he is instantly on the "all name" team.