On Accountability
6 comments so far
December 4, 2006 by
Husker fans are buzzing about Head Coach Bill Callahan's recent comments about the Big 12 title game. He held himself accountable, and said "whatever I have to do to change, I’m going to change it." This is making people speculate about if there will be changes to the coaching staff. That, I don't know and can't say. But, I appreciate the subtext of these comments, for a variety of reasons.
First, I think it is great to see this level of professional and personal accountability from our head coach. It is miles from his very unfortunate "one game, one season" comments that followed the 2004 season. That illustrates tremendous growth in his understanding of NU's fan culture.
Next, it is clear that he's taking this one personally. I think he just feels absolutely sick - like he-hasn't-slept-in-days sick - because of Saturday’s squandered opportunity. And, this is his reaction or need to take action.
Coach Callahan is really known for doing a total review on a season - where he breaks down every play of every game, every choice, every practice schedule, every memo, every meal, and on an on an on. What I'm saying is that the guy is a meticulous lunatic who reevaluates everything. I have to assume that includes coaching decisions and therefore coaches.
In the age of massive competition and total parity in college football, I think this is what you need to have.
So, is he referring to coaching changes? Maybe. I can't say for sure. Personally, I wouldn't mind seeing minor changes made at some positions if they have merit in Callahan's eyes. What reasons do FSU, Miami, Georgia, Iowa and Alabama have for seasons that didn't meet "expectations" (what ever that means)? I don't know. But, those are five high-profile programs that all did "worse" than NU. Some fired coaches. Some fired assistants. Some stood pat.
The right road is unclear. But, you are either getting better or getting worse all the time. I can only think these comments mean NU is firmly committed to the former.
Update: Husker players are taking their fair share of the blame as well.
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Brandon Dec 04 06
I don't think you can overestimate the value of Billy C's comments post-championship game. Like many others, I've been pretty up and down in my opinion of Callahan, but, more than wins, five-star recruits or conference championships, the one thing that I thought was missing from his tenure thus far was this: a sense that he felt the same way about Nebraska football that all of us do.
He'd never shown anything to support that until now. It could be the biggest step we take this season.
Brad Dec 05 06
Brandon,
I agree. Well said.
AustinHusker Dec 06 06
Brandon, Brad and BRN,
I couldn't agree more. I was sick, as I suspect everyone else was, after the game. It certainly seemed to me like we played hard enough and well enough to win. A couple of plays either way would have done a lot for our cause. Having said that for the first time since Callahan came to Nebraska I gained some respect for him. It never sat well with me when he would make comments like, these aren't my recruits, one game one season, etc. We are all familiar with the type of comment. I always believed these are my recruits and this is my team and has been for 30+ years. So for Coach C to finally take some responsibility was a breath of fresh air. At Nebraska it is not always about winning and loosing, everyone remembers 'We are Proud Champions we went for two'. And we were all proud. Callahan has to win but he as to win in the Nebraska tradition. Maybe he is starting to understand that.
Now if we could just get the AD to do it.
Ron Dec 06 06
I have been one to take a "wait and see" attitude with Coach C. Honestly, I didn't figure he would be here very long. But after his comments following the loss in the Big 12 Championship Game, he has made me change my mind 100%. He took this hard, as I have ever seen any coach take a loss. It says a lot about his character, taking it all on his shoulders, and diverting it from the players. Sometimes, it is easy to throw someone under the bus in the press. Nebraska Fans should realize what this this man is made of.
bigredfred Dec 20 06
Well , I guess if you pay a guy enough , he will be willing to make a comment or two and keep us all right where he wants us. Pay me 2 million dollars and I would be glad to act remorseful for you.
Jason Dec 20 06
bigredfred, are you saying Callahan is playing us? No one knows for sure what his real feelings are, but I'm curious what leads you to believe he is faking it.