Psst...Have You Heard the Latest?
19 comments so far
October 23, 2007 by
Hey, have you heard the latest about the NU coaching search? Well, I have a friend who has a brother in the athletic department. And everything he e-mails me or posts on message boards becomes a reality. He's THE best source for the stuff off the record. And here is what he is saying...
Maybe you have gotten an e-mail forwarded to you with something like that recently. Lord knows I have. And, every time I read them, I find myself either relishing the ideal situation they outline or being completely baffled by the fantasy they are selling. Either way, it is important for everyone to get a grip on these e-mail/online rumors and understand that they are counterproductive to what NU and the athletic department actually wants to get done.
You know the e-mails I'm talking about. The ones that say Pelini is an absolute lock to be the next NU head coach, and that he is bringing in other former players and coaches (Tom Rathman, Marvin Sanders) with him. There is even a little ditty about a certain Omaha billionaire just chomping at the bit to give NU $40 million. They often have a very legit-sounding Husker-themed job and/or website listed in the signature somewhere.
Here's the rub. None of it is true, or at least at all verifiable. With just 10 minutes of investigation, you can discover that no such person exists and that no such website/URL exists. The topper is that I have gotten these e-mails from four different people now, all claiming a different point of origin. That should tell you enough right there.
Imagined Ideals Create Unfair Expectations
There is nothing wrong with daydreaming about what might happen as Dr. Osborne goes about replacing Bill Callahan (and hey, that's still got a 5% chance of not happening, right? wink). I imagine my dream scenario all the time, to be honest. But it is not good to take an imagined ideal and dress it up as near certainty. It creates unfair expectation for what we think should happen at NU. That is a very dangerous word...should.
News flash - fans don't get a vote. We love the team and support them. We make an emotional (and sometimes financial) investment in the team. But, we are not defacto owners. We didn't get a vote when Pederson replaced two whole staffs. And, we won't get a vote now that Osborne is in charge. Sending e-mails and posting online won't change that. It will just make the job Osborne has -- selling fans on the new coaching staff -- that much tougher.
Flawed Reasoning
The main flaw with these types of e-mails and posts is that the author's "known universe" of coaches is only about 30 people big. Basically, it just includes former Husker players and coaches. Take everyone from Scott Frost to Monte Kiffin and you still might only get to 50 guys.
The reality is that the universe of coaches that Osborne could - and should - look to is about ten times that big. It ranges everywhere from Division II head coaches to NFL position coaches, and yes, former Huskers. No average fan considers all of it. It’s not our job. Granted, Pederson - a seasoned Athletic Department staffer - would likely have had a bigger coaching rolodex than Osborne. But, if NU uses a search firm, those folks will bring a lot of possible candidates to the table.
Another big flaw in the "Pelini is a LOCK" argument is that there is an unwritten but pretty hard rule amongst coaches - never go back. I would be fairly shocked to see Pelini return to Lincoln, even with Pederson gone. And, if he really does return to NU, no doubt a big part of his motivation would be an ego-driven need to "stick it" to Pederson. Is that really what we want?
Don't get it twisted. I'm not against former Huskers coming back to coach, or looking to our heritage for important context. But, Osborne and NU athletics will not simply "get the gang back together." Okay?
Reality
Rumors on the Internet didn't help NU select its last coach. And it won't help in this search. It is fine to suggest and discuss various coaches. We will do it here on BRN, for sure. Please just don't imagine that it has an affect on the outcome. And don't get too emotionally attached to your notions.
In fact, consider Bo Pelini's initial arrival at NU as an example of coaching search reality. He came to NU as a relatively unknown (but talented and emotional) linebackers coach with the Green Bay Packers. Raise your hand if you saw that one coming? I didn't. At the time, NU got it right when it came to picking a defensive coordinator, but we didn't know it then. Osborne has an obligation to find the best possible coaches he can get for NU. And I trust him to do just that.
Of course, if NU can assemble a staff of proven coaches who have ties to NU, throw in $40 million and a return of former athletic staff members for good measure, I’d be thrilled. Who wouldn't be? Let’s just say I’m not holding my breath waiting for that to happen.
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Scott Oct 23 07
Great post, Darren.
I know that getting this program back up from where it is now is not going to happen overnight. Things will get much worse this season before they get better, trust me. We've already seen a decommit and there will be plenty more. It doesn't bother me one bit if a player decommits because that means his heart is not with this program. I'll wish him luck on his way out and I'll welcome the person that takes his scholarship with open arms. I want players that want to play here, guys that DREAM of playing here when they grow up. Give me a 6'6, 295 lb. defensive end with the heart of one Brandon Rigoni and you've got the recipe for an All-American and future NFL'er.
Whoever the new coach is it is our job to stand by that person and give them our full support and to give each and every one of his players the same support. If we as fans can't do that, sell your tickets and stop going to the games and then go move to Boulder.
It takes a whole team to get it done on the field and it's going to take all of Husker Nation to get this program back on the right track.
donfl Oct 23 07
Darren, I think you missed the point of the fans jumping on the Pellini bandwagon. Beyond the X's and O's what NU needs is a coach who has the ability to inspire athletes to perform above their expected capabilities. All you have to do is look at what he accomplished with the same players that were abysmal under Craig Bohl.
1. He loved being in Lincoln
2. His family loved Lincoln
3. He has four additional years of college experience
4. He has a defense at LSU that is one of the tops in college football.
5. He wanted the job four years ago
6. And, this is my subjective judgement, he bought into the the Husker Nation mentality unlike the current coaching staff.
So I ask you why shouldn't we jump on this wagon? I don't care if he would want to stick it to Pety, I only hope he is interested and that TO will objectively evaluate what he brings to the table, agressive play your heart out for your team mates. GO BIG RED.
Jason Oct 23 07
So I ask you why shouldn't we jump on this wagon?
You shouldn't get your hopes up because you don't get a vote.
Sure, it's fun to think about who could be coach. It makes for good water cooler (and blogger) discussion. The danger is when we, as fans, decide "[insert name] should be our next coach!"
We don't have all the information. We don't know who's available. We don't know who's interested. We're not in the loop. We don't get to interview candidates. We don't know what happens behind closed doors.
So, when your choice isn't hired, all you're left with is disappointment, second guessing, and another rift in the Husker Nation.
The point I (and many others) are trying to make is, it's not in our best interest to get caught up in the rumors and speculation. We're better off supporting the program and cheering like hell on Saturdays. Then get behind our next coach (or *ahem* current coach) when the decision is made by those who are in a position to make it.
cvldfg Oct 23 07
Darren, I thank you for your reasoned letter. I too get tired of fans taking things to the extreme and printing them as fact. But why do I wish for BO PELLINI, on top everything that donfl expressed: 1) In a CFB world that is turning to junk offenses, (where App St. beats Mich, Mizzu kills NEBRASKA), the DC has become the most important job, why not have the best! And he is the best 2) If we don't go after him, I guarantee he will be a head coach somewhere else. 3) I disagree with the statement that you can't go back. He wasn't the head coach, (except for the Bowl game, which he won)and it's a myth. 4) He brings what HUSKER NATION is all about with the what the BLACKSHIRT program means to the TRADITION of THE UNIVERSITY. 5) Just because he was under the radar when he initially came to NU
has no bearing on what he has become since then. 6) Did you know that he grew up in a football family and poured over game film with his Father and Brother. 7) Did you know that when he was in his mid twenties, he was already an up and comer in the SF 49er's coaching ranks, where he tested higher on off v. def evaluations than coaches that had been in the business for many more years than him. 8) He is young enough to make this a long term situation and be that steady hand for a long time. That's what a PROGRAM like NEBRASKA needs, that's what makes NU what it is. 9) Finally, he isn't some arrogant prick like bill callahan, who has been a coaching disaster everywhere he's been, ask any former player. So while you have your views, based on a minority of people on blogs or emails, we as fans and contributers to the program are allowed to express our views. We also understand that TOM OSBORNE isn't sitting around reading the web sites saying "oh my gosh Billy Bob in Gehring wants me to pick BO PELLINI, I better do that". So get a grip on yourself, and stop "name dropping" as to who is your "anonymous source" in the big office. That's why some fans are called the "lunatic fringe", every school has them, doesn't make it right, but it is reality.
Quiller Oct 23 07
cvldfg: Darren wasn't suggesting that Pelini isn't qualified or that he isn't going to be the next coach. His point is that Husker fans shouldn't become too focused on Bo -- if they do, and somebody else gets the job, it only increases the chances of negativity.
There's nothing wrong with supporting or wishing for Bo Pelini to become the next head football coach at Nebraska. There IS something wrong with thinking he's the only possible candidate and that anyone else would be a mistake.
darren Oct 23 07
To be clear, I *heart* Bo Pelini as much as the next fan. Heck, I even know his real name is Mark.
I know how bad the 2002 defense was. And, I saw the turnaround Pelini made with the 2003 defense. (Though, let's not romanticize it.) Would I welcome him back to Lincoln? Absolutely.
None of that is what I'm talking about in the post.
Please don't get tunnel vision when it comes to any one candidate or group of coaches. It's unproductive, even counter productive for the program. Let Tom do his job. Then, cheer for whomever is hired...Pelini, Gill, Glenn or some 1-AA coach you've never heard of. (like, uh, Tressel)
Or you can indulge yourself with every e-mail that hits your inbox. Your choice. I'm sure a new one will be circulating again very soon.
Andrew Oct 23 07
Darren,
Will you guy at BRN be putting out a article on how these decommits are going to be hurting NU? Just curious good article, you need to post it on that life in the red blog, those guys are just crazy over there.
omarhuskerfan Oct 23 07
Awesome point of view... I hurt greatly for the current kids and i understand what mo said that fans are mean if they come up to the bench and tell them that they suck.
While everyone would like BO I just need to think paul thompson in navy or all of the other coaches out there.
As for the recruits I understand there backing down and I don't think that they aren't committed to the program but If I was a reciever and wanted to catch the ball...I would not go to the nebraska of old. If the coaching staff is in question then the offense is in question. I understand them looking around. besides who is to say if the new coaching staff wants them.
Zeke Oct 24 07
I think that Bo Pelini will wait around at LSU to see if Les Miles sticks around. Let's not forget that Michigan got punked by Appalachian St. and although Mich. has turned things around it is possible that Lloyd Carr will not be around very much longer. If he goes I believe the next head coach of Mich. will be Les Miles which leaves a vacancy at LSU. Who better to fill that void than Bo Pelini. I think we should all do ourselves a favor and take Bo off our radar.
Greg Oct 24 07
Do you ever read the anger-bitterness-blog "A Husker8er's View of the World"?
Just curious. The guy, aj, certainly hates NU and its fans (he's from Missouri and I believe a Mizzou grad). He is savoring what's happening, and has happened, to the NU football program, but he is a world-class arse.
What makes matters worse is that his preditions and opinions have, for the most part, been spot on. His very negative, vitriolic, and sweeping statements of Husker fans, though, is out of bounds. However, as he states, just don't visit his site.
THAT GUY Oct 26 07
I DON'T CARE WHAT YOU (BRN) SAY BO (MARK)PELINI, WANTS TO COME BACK,NEEDS TO COME BACK, AND HAS ALL BUT PACKED HIS BAGS TO FLY INTO EPPLEY. AND HELL YEAH BO WOULD WANT TO SPITE STEVE P. HE ALREADY HAS "I WOULD COACH AT NEBRASKA IF PETERSEN WAS GONE" AND POOF, DONE. THAT DOES NOT SOUND LIKE SOMETHING THAT WOULD BE DONE FOR SOMEONE THAT IS NOT ALREADY A LOCK. OH, YEAH I AM SURE YOUR GOING TO GIVE THE YOU CAN'T VOTE, YOUR OPINION DOES NOT MATTER, LET T.O. DO HIS JOB SPEECH. THE SECOND REASON S.P. GOT FIRED IS FOR UPSETTING DONATORS, THE BIGGEST CONTRIBUTERS TO NU FOOTBALL ARE THE 84000 PLUS FANS THAT SHOW UP THERE ON SATURDAYS, WEARING BIG RED GEAR AND BOPPING THE CORN STALK COVERED HEADS. SO GIVE IT A REST, WHAT BETTER WAY IS THERE TO GET WHAT YOU WANT, THAN GETTING AN ARMY OF PEOPLE TO CHANT FOR THE SAME THING AND BE HEARD! GO BO I MEAN BIG RED!!!!
Jason Oct 26 07
I guess TO's job is going to be easier than I thought. No need to interview or hire a search consultant, just read the blogs and listen to talk radio.
Care to site your source that says "Bo wants to come back" and has "all back packed his bags?"
I like the idea of Bo coming back too, but it is far from the lock that you say it is.
Some of what you say is true though. The general discontentment in the Husker Nation probably did play a small part in SP's dismissal. But, it's a lot easier to get someone fired by shouting than it is to hire someone that way.
Also, please lay off the ALL CAPS. :)
darren Oct 26 07
To quote Jeremy Piven's character from the movie PCU... "Don't be that guy".
THAT GUY Oct 26 07
Aww geezz, I am sorry if MY ALL CAPS seems offensive I don't mean to be.I am just so pumped about getting a new coach and coaching staff that I forgot to take caps lock off. Nobody said T.O.'s job was going to be simple. But, has he (BO)not already been informely interviewed for the position. Did he not say he would be very interested if in fact S.P. was not the A.D. The "General Discontentment of the Husker Nation" played a HUGE (using the shift key this time)role in the firing of S.P. Did you not watch the press conference. I quote "contributors to the program were coming forward expressing their concern". Who do you think "Contributors" are, HUSKER NATION! Mark these words Bo Pelini takes over as Head Coach in 2008 or sooner(not Oklahoma)(haha). And here's another one of my thoughts casted over the web for all to read, Top 10 next year. Oh, I guess T.O.'s job will be pretty easy after all. :) thats cute by the way. And who cares about Jeremy Piven or the movie PCU the way I see it there is about 84000 and some change that are THAT GUY and even THAT GIRL.
THAT GUY Oct 26 07
OH I almost forgot I have a cousin who has this girlfriend who has this friend that knows this other guy who cooks for Athlectic Department at NU, or no he just does their dishes and wipes off the tables, but he is very knowledged and over hears a great deal while they have lunch. But I don't want to drop any names.
Nick Oct 29 07
Did anyone notice that LSU's defence just gave up 42 points to not that great of a team. Bo is good but not the answer. He inspired the defense and simplified it in the year he was here, but since then his actual "body of work" is NOT that impressive. Just like Osborn is the interem AD (for a few years), I beleive we need an "interem" head coach to bridge the gap back to Husker tradition. Someone like
Dakota Husker Oct 29 07
Pelini is not the answer at Head Coach, he is to much of a loose cannon. I remember him running across the field to Bill Snyder after his D got torched by Kansas St. to call him "something I won't repeat" according to Snyder. Pelini gives me the feeling of another "'f'ing Hillbillies" moment but when the Cameras are still on.
Newstart Husker Oct 30 07
Hire Terry Bowden.
Brendon Boone Nov 05 07
Hey,
I think y'all ought to hire Bo Pellini AND Terry Bowden as Co-Head Coaches. Here's the reasoning. Bo Pellini is a whiner. Terry Bowden is a moron. Terry Bowden has NOTHING good to say about any Big XII team at any level. I'm a Big XII fan. I like Nebraska when they play the ACC, the SEC, the Pac 10 and for sure I like them when they play the loser Big 10. So Newstart wants to pull in the most arrogant of the Bowdens, in fact, Terry is the ONLY arrogant Bowden. The other Bowdens have actually DONE stuff, Terry just talks about doing stuff.
Ok, on to Bo Pellini. No doubt the guy has talent. If he can keep his whining in check, he'll be the best Nebraska football coach since Osborne. Of course, he's an emotional coach, much like Mike Stoops, and we can all see where Mike Stoops emotion has gotten him. When Bo got beaten at Kansas State, mind you with his defensive set and calls, he was all over Bill Snyder for "running up the score"....WHAT?!?!?!??!?!?!? Did somebody say running up the score at the same time as wearing that "N" on their chest and it be in reference to the other team? Bo knows jack about the history of NU if he talks this game. I'm for Nebraska hiring a great coach, not a big name pompous arrogant coach like Callahan who's given nothing back to the university. What about Turner Gill in Buffalo? There's a guy that knows the history, knows the tradition, and knows the greatness of Coach Osborne. He's the man that will assemble a staff and in my opinion take the guidance of Coach Tom to a new level of greatness within the program. Honestly, it makes me nervous as a KSU grad to know that Coach Tom is in charge of the hiring of the new coach. Peterson blew the last call. Mr. Osborne, as he's known in Kansas, won't.