Coaching Search Domino Effect
23 comments so far
November 13, 2007 by
A variety of sources are reporting that Michigan coach Lloyd Carr will announce his retirement soon. What does this have to do with Nebraska? Potentially, it could mean quite a bit. Carr's exit could set of a chain reaction that affects what most safely assume is an impending coaching search at Nebraska. And, there is another potential “domino effect� related to any NU search. This one is much closer to home and may be a bigger key than we realize.
Lloyd, Les, and Bo
Assuming the notion of Carr’s retirement from Michigan is legit, another “big dog� is about to enter the 2008 coaching search game along with Texas A&M. LSU head coach Les Miles has not been shy about his affinity for Michigan in the past, and would likely shoot to the top of the list of candidates – real or hypothetical – to replace Carr.
How does that affect NU? If Miles leaves LSU, it opens up another big opportunity. And, LSU defensive coordinator Bo Pelini would be a viable candidate to become LSU’s next head coach. Then, NU would be in a quite a tough situation if they are trying to procure Pelini’s services. With LSU’s opening sitting right in front of him, and A&M without a head coach and looming in the conference, the price for Pelini would certainly go up.
This isn’t about Pelini’s Husker passion or loyalty. He was here one year and left unhappy because of the way he was treated. He’s been at LSU longer and appears happier than a pig in you-know-what. And, it is not like either place is his home state and school. The only Siren song Pelini would ever hear comes from the Horseshoe in Columbus.
Not only that, but I have a hard time imagining that the current situation at LSU isn’t more attractive to any head coach candidate. They are on a tremendous roll right now, and in line for a national title shot. At NU, you have a 5-6 squad, a partially divided fan base, and an interim athletic director. Of course, that team has talent. Those fans have unequaled passion and commitment, and that interim AD is none other than Tom Osborne. But, still, it could be tough to go heads up against LSU right now.
AD Search Matters
Speaking of the interim Athletic Director, I’m curious to know the time table for his tenure. There is a major difference between this being a one-year transitional job, and his making a run of five years. It is especially important when picking a new head football coach.
The prevailing wisdom among many is that Osborne will identify and groom his successor. The name being tossed around right now is Dave Rimington, a Husker legend with managerial and leadership talent but not much of any athletic department experience. So the notion of grooming him makes a lot of sense.
I believe that whoever is going to take over for Osborne eventually needs to have some buy in or sign off on the next head coach. Why? Because it could help prevent another untenable hiring or firing situation. Leaders of all kinds like to be surrounded by “their people�. Nobody likes to inherit somebody else’s stuff…or their staff. ADs bring in new coaches. Executives bring in new managers. So, I think it would be wise for whoever follows Osborne to be bought in to the coaching choice, too.
The whole thing needs to be a lot tidier and mutually agreed upon than other coaching changes over the last ten years. One man made the coaching choice alone in 1998. Another made a choice alone in 2003. Both created their own share of turmoil, internally and externally. And turmoil is the last thing this program needs.
Many will watch the coaching carousel carefully this off season, tracking resignations, firings and air traffic control logs. But, I’ll be watching the timing and decisions concerning NU’s athletic director position for my cues and clues regarding the coaching search.
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Husker Mike Nov 13 07
From everything I know, Bo Pelini and his family absolutely loved Nebraska except for one thing...and that one thing is now out of the picture. Of course, that raises the question whether he loves Baton Rouge more, or at least the same.
Ole Husker Fan Nov 13 07
I am as excited as the next Husker Fan about the possiblity of having Pelini as the next Head Coach at Nebraska, but your article is dead on. It is very likely that Pelini could stay where he is. If this happens, what kind of unrest would that put on Husker Nation. Additionally, I don't believe that anyone can say with any degree of certainty that Pelini is a guy that Osborne would consider. And for that matter what happens when one day or one week passes after the Colorado game and no announcements have been made with regards to the current coaching staff. I know that Tom has said he will not keep anyone dangling, but I can foresee some unrest in the Husker Nation if Bo Pelini is not name the next head coach or if the "evaluation" of the current staff take more than one week to complete.
darren Nov 13 07
Good point, Husker Mike.
I have spoken with a pretty reliable source in the last hour about Pelini's opinion of Lincoln, and Baton Rouge. They - especially Mrs. Pelini - loved Lincoln. And, they aren't exactly thrilled with life in Louisiana. That could certainly be a factor as things progress.
Ole - It's too bad that I agree with you. Pelini not getting the job may cause at least some "unrest", which is kind of sad.
If there is an overarching point to the changes at A&M and Michigan, it is this - the search probably just got faster and more expensive. Speed and price...doesn't competition have that affect on pretty much every product?
Wally Nov 13 07
I don't think there is any doubt that probably Saturday the 24th or by the following Monday at the latest we will know the fate of Callahan and crew. And, I'm almost positive they will be fired.
As for the hiring of a new coach, I don't expect the search will take more than a couple weeks if that. I'm sure there have already been indirect feelers sent out to candidates that Tom is considering. Remember, Tom knows a ton of people in the coaching profession.
ze bop Nov 13 07
I don't think Bo P was particularly miffed at Pedey either for not giving him a serious look; that is, if I read that article correctly from a month ago.
But, I think the main reason that he might stay at LSU for a HC position is that Louisiana is a hotbed for talent--plain and simple.
However, sounds like he and his family liked NE and would seriously consider a return. The
BigRed gig could probably be viewed as more historically prestegious than LSU.
I think OZ will be around for at least 5 years until this team gets things turned around and winning consistenly again at the level we're accustomed to. Plus, I think OZ as AD offers a huge plus for recruiting(though Calli has been doing great). Hopefully he will have his hands in that to some degree.
Maybe they will bring Rimington in as some sort of asst. AD in the meantime.
Call me crazy, but I'm still interested to see how Calli's regime might evolve given improvement on the defensive side. I still can't come up with a coach with a better O mind from the ones that have been proposed.
I like Brian Kelly too, though.
ze bop Nov 13 07
Anyway, how 'bout this week's coach of the week nominees:
Mike Leach--the TX Conspriracy
Glenn of WHY-oming: The single digit salute.
Weis: his players are slow learners.
cvldfg Nov 13 07
Darren, do you remember a post I made about why it was important to get a early jump on the search, which it seems like they are doing. They may need to expedite the talks with Bo now. This was the fear I had if this dragged out. I hope that Bo likes Nebraska more than Baton Rouge too. Do you think the next coach, if not Bo, will have a harder time being accepted? Or a success right away? Just curious.....
OU7times Nov 13 07
Darren, has the coach from Boise St. (Chris Peterson) been mentioned as a possibility to lead Nebraska? This guy seems to be great with the personel he inherited from Hawkins. Nebraska ALWAYS can out recruit Boise St. and I think he could be the next Osborne or Stoops type coach, given the chance. To me he seems very personable and has his teams focus and attention. I think the Nebraska brand name comes into play here ,when recruiting. Granted, he's just starting out but inheriting someone else's players is not a guarantee for success. I'm still in favor of ex-Husker Gill, but could easily be swayed to the Chris Peterson camp.
ze bop Nov 14 07
You just like Chris Peterson because he beat yer Sooners, so he must be good.
:)
Actually, some fans have kicked his name around and I could see his personality fitting at NE. Seems like more of a 'soil studies' type guy. I don't see anything particularly exciting about Smurf ball. I'd go for Brian Kelly in a NY second over CP.
But, I said just after they hired OZ that they did that just so they could get Pedey outta the way and bring back BO. Looks like I and 'Mick Richards' could be right....
ze bop Nov 14 07
Could Tom Osborne Already Have Started a Coaching Search?
by Husker Mike Wed Nov 14, 2007 at 12:04:44 AM EDT
The Omaha World-Herald provides a great insight into how coaching searches are handled today. Needless to say, it's nothing like the circus Steve Pederson ran us through four years ago.
The World-Herald uses the example of the Minnesota Gophers' courting of Tubby Smith as head basketball coach. They used a search firm to do much of the early work of identifying potential candidates and then working with the agents, leaving the coach and athletic director outside the loop. And thus, giving them the ability to disassociate themselves from the process. The coaches can continue to do their current jobs, and the athletic director can continue to evaluate his current coach, and compare him to the potential candidates
Husker Mike Nov 14 07
Here's the full link to the story that ze bop references:
http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=1200&u_sid=10184300
As for Bo, what you read about last month about the coaching search was a rather sanitized version that also reflects four years of distance from the situation. I think the Pelinis' opinions about Steve Pederson were crystal clear at the NU/OU game in 2004, where Mrs. Pelini showed off mittens that said "F U S P".
If anything, I'm sure Bo is glad he didn't have to work for Pederson.
cvldfg Nov 14 07
OU7, quit trying to help us out. You just want us to get CP do keep "The (original) Nation" down. We have already had an offensive minded coach and he killed our program. Yeah BSU beat you guys by out scoring you, but they gave up a ton of points, sound familiar? BTW, how is Hawkins working out at CU. NO DEFENSE=NO CHAMPIONSHIPS! We want to be back up there with OU not CU.
OU7times Nov 14 07
Dude, get a grip. My opinion is just that. My suggestions are for the benefit of the University of Nebraska. Not cldfg. Chris Peterson isn't a personal or professional mess like someone who is now (for a week or so more)a coach at your university. I take it you must like playing the Baylors, Iowa St, and the Maine's of the world. It's simple, really, play better compitition and you get better. Since I now know that you call the shots at NU, I'll ask your permission before I comment. Fair enough?
Nick Nov 14 07
Again, its just Hawkins' SECOND year guys (cvldfg). He's clearly a proven coach and I still think that Colorado is going to climb up to the Big 12 top soon. Look no further than Steve Spurrier to understand that an offensive minded coach can win championships. I truly believe Callahan can coach offense with the best - I just don't think, judging from the resources that I can, that he has the mentality, charisma, and unifying force to be a head coach. He'll work again offensively, guaranteed.
Gill and Pelini seem to have that ability to inspire, which is what NU (and any team) needs.
OU7times Nov 14 07
Too bad you didn't only give Callahan 2 years (same expectations you allow Hawkins)to "win championships" and roduce a defense. Your viewpoints are typical for an armchair/hindsight "quarterback". Or is Nebraska so special that their coach gets 4 years (compared to 2 years)and still doesn't get it done? You bring up the fact that I want to hold Nebraska down? Furnish one post where I wanted NU down. I've been intrigued by this team, this season,and put differences aside with respect to Callahan earlier this season. Once again, get over the fact that my screen name is OU affiliated and be objective...once.
WOW Nov 14 07
"a partially divided fan base," & "Those fans have unequaled passion and commitment,"
Now that's funny right there.
"partially divided" ?
As in 'oil and water' just from browsing this board alone.
"unequaled passion" ?
One need not go any further than the Big 12 to find just as, if not more passionate fans.
As for the "unequaled commitment".....
I seem to remember that Executive Travel (Steve Glenn, owned) didn't even offer bowl packages for the Independence Bowl back in 2002. This being in spite of each appearance that Nebraska made was a new NCAA record.
"unequaled commitment" doesn't seem to come to my mind as an appropriate description.
I'm just sayin'
JR
darren Nov 14 07
There you go again, JR, building mountains from a statment or two. :-)
Yes - partially divided. I know there is a lot of venom being tossed around online. But, I don't think it is a 50/50 split, or some giang chasm between fans. I think there is a vocal but small group who likes to stir things up. You see it in the media quite a bit. Point the camera at those making noise, even if they are in the numerical minority. I think *most* husker fans are on the same page and keep a pretty darn even keel.
Yes - Unequeled committment. It's called the sellout streak. Nothing anywhere else even comes close. You're going to have to offer more than 2002/Shreveport to say NU fans aren't committed to their team. Bowl officials will line up 10 deep in their funny-colored coats to testify that NU fans travel better than any they have ever seen.
ze bop Nov 14 07
I completely agree, Hawkins is DA MAN and here's proof;
--Golf Genie--
Hawkins and wife, out enjoying a round of golf, were about to tee off on the third hole, which was lined with beautiful homes. The wife hit her shot and the ball began to slice - her shot was headed directly at a very large plate glass window. Much to her surprise, the ball smashed through the window and shattered it into a million pieces.
They felt compelled to see what damage was done and drove off to see what happened. When they peeked inside the house, they found no one there. Hawkins called out and no one answered. Upon further investigation, they saw a small gentleman sitting on the couch with a turban on his head.
The wife asked the man, "Do you live here?"
"No, someone just hit a ball through the window, knocked over the vase you see there, freeing me from that little bottle. I am so grateful!" he answered.
Hawk asked, "Are you a genie?"
"Oh, why, yes I am. In fact, I am so grateful I will grant you two wishes, and the third I will keep for myself," the man replied.
Hawk and wife agreed on two wishes - one was for a scratch handicap for the Hawkins, to which the wife readily agreed. The other was for an income of $1,000,000 per year forever.
The genie nodded his head and said, "Done!"
The genie now said, "For my wish, I would like to have my way with your wife. I have not been with a woman for many years, and after all, I made you a scratch golfer and a millionaire."
Hawk and wife agreed.
After the genie and wife were finished, the genie asked the wife, "How long have you been married?"
To which she responded, "About 20 years."
The genie then asked, "How old is your husband?"
To which she replied, "41 years old."
The genie then asked, "And how long has he believed in this genie crap?"
cvldfg Nov 14 07
OU7, calm down dude. 99% of what I said was with tongue in cheek. Slow down man, i'm not about dissing anyone. Sorry you took it that way.
OU7times Nov 14 07
Ok, I just didn't get the tongue in cheek part but it's all good as long as you are good with it. Let me say this, this season has been tough on a lot of us who are not first and foremost NU fans, too. No one is accustomed to seeing the "Big Red" down like this. Go figure too, with all of the asses you guy's have kicked. It's just been a real emotional season and discussions have been tempered at times. I feel your pain and want things to get better...fast. It is true that I have an ulterior motive and that is the conference and what is best for it. I could see why someone would ask "why OU7 would want a coach in the conference that beat his team", it's just that, he did beat a good team and I feel he would be a great fit and make the Big 12 just that much more competitive. It's good timing as it looks as though NU will change it's coach. I also don't want to "dis" anyone and appreciate the fact that you don't either. GBR
flamingredone Nov 15 07
Hey!
You already have Watson. Wadda about Barnett?
az4bigred Nov 23 07
I for one think the program needs a coach with some fire (e.g. Bo Pelini) The currents coaching staff seems to have no emotion. winning or losing there is no emotion. The defense on top of the poor tackling and lack of a pass rush seemed to be playing uninspired football.
az4bigred Nov 23 07
I for one think the program needs a coach with some fire (e.g. Bo Pelini) The currents coaching staff seems to have no emotion. winning or losing there is no emotion. The defense on top of the poor tackling and lack of a pass rush seemed to be playing uninspired football.