Osborne's Actions Speak Loudly
15 comments so far
November 28, 2007 by
Tom Osborne is admittedly a man of few words. He is also a man of decisive action. And, it is typically a good idea to it pay more attention to what a person does than what they say, anyway. Based on this line of reasoning, some of Osborne's recent activities tell me that Pelini was the front runner from the start of the coaching search, and that the search may be wrapping up sooner rather than later.
People are what their actions say they are. I live by this mantra because I can't read minds (yet). And, you can't always trust what a person says. And even the most well intended individuals can't make their claims materialize in to results. So, I just watch for actions and results. They take you to where you need to be, and tell you what you need to know.
Pelini Was First
I believe Bo Pelini is the clear front runner to be NU's next head coach. I am not alone in that contention. My belief is not based on inside information or on dozens of phone calls. It is based on the fact that Osborne's first action in the search for a coach (other than using a search firm weeks ago), was to fly down and interview Bo Pelini.
That should say it all folks. His resume was at the top of the pile. It's his job to lose. I am not saying he can't lose it. Other guys could interview better or connect better to Osborne. But, right now, Pelini is out front.
Visiting Kids Not Coaches
I also believe Osborne is confident that the search is progressing nicely and may be coming to an end pretty soon. Why? Because he is taking the time to pass an NCAA recruiting standards test and hit the road to talk to high school kids.
Of course recruiting and talent is important. No doubt about it. But, don't get it twisted. Visiting Collins Okafor is not as important as securing the next head coach. In fact, getting a coach in the fold will make a huge positive impact with recruiting. The coach has to come first.
Osborne isn't one to take his eye off the ball. The fact that he has the time to visit recruits and that they are a priority now tells me things are coming to a head. Will there be a choice and announcement made today? I really doubt it. This weekend? Maybe. Next week? Probably.
But don't just take somebody's word for it. People are what their actions say they are.
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Paul Poulosky Nov 28 07
It would not surprise me if Pelini is the choice, and it makes sense that we would wait until Sunday to formally offer the job to him, as not to interfere with LSU's game on Saturday. I am betting we will not see any real movement until Sunday or Monday.
Jason Nov 28 07
...or maybe Tom decided to take the coaching job himself!
OK, probably not.
Dbbletap Nov 28 07
Initially I was solidly on the Bo bandwagon. Unlike many, I was jazzed when he called out Snyder after the game. Showed me his heart pumps blood. And Bo has done nothing to dim his star.
However, the longer I stew over this the more I'm leaning toward Turner, and I really don't know why.
Regardeless, TO's judgment is good enuf for me.
Kyle Nov 28 07
I also found it weird that after 2-3 days of crazy flying to other states meeting without telling the media doing alot of stealth things that we would just start recruiting i know we want to keep this great class we have right now and maybe build but its hard to recruit people when there isn't a head coach. I think someone will be named soon next couple days if its turner or Sunday or so if its bo.
Does anyone else think Dr. Tom will be like the best recruiter ever just think about him coming to your house or school talking to you. He is one of if not the best head coach ever. I think any real football fan would love to sit down and talk to him. I wouldn't doubt he could get some 5 star's just because of who he is and what he is offering them a chance to play at a top notch college that is getting a new coach that will take everyone in to concentration. Meaning that no one has a job everyone has to fight to get a their position.
Jason Nov 28 07
Kyle,
That was my initial thought, too. How cool would it be as a recruit to have TO in your living room? But then I realized that today's 18 year olds were born in 1989!
They were 8 years old when Nebraska won their last championship. *Shudder*
They likely have heard the legend of TO and know who he is. Their parents obviously remember, but the last few classes (and from here on out), they never witnessed the Nebraska juggernaut of the mid 90's.
Don't get me wrong. Having a legend like TO on the recruiting trail helps NU. It just doesn't have the impact that it would have 5-10 years ago.
ze bop Nov 28 07
Really, when it comes down to it, if OZ thinks he's qualified, I think Turner would be the absolute best guy to have as HC.
He's ALL Nebraska, though he wasn't born there. A successful TG as a long term leader of Big Red is the most inspiring story I can imagine; in fact, it almost gives me goose bumps thinking about it--better than a 'bogasm'!. Husker Nation would be IN LOVE!
(p.s., just win baby...)
As I've said, I also like Bo P and Brian Kelly alot--but I would love to see Turner given the opportunity and make it work.
His high character traits would represent NE extremely well!
WOW Nov 28 07
Something I think will draw some kids away from other programs in the next couple of seasons in is a chance to be a part of 'The Turnaround' at Nebraska.
I've heard tell that some of THE BEST stories shared by players are about what it felt like to 'Right the Ship' under Coach Devaney's guidance after the abysmal Jennings era.
JR
WOW Nov 28 07
I've read here and many other places folks saying "If Dr. Tom believes that ________ is the man then I'll trust him."
This position, while I don't disagree with it brings a couple questions to my mind for those folks who agree with the above position.
1. Was Frank Solich the right man for the job when he got it?
2. What led to Solich's failure? (I personally don't believe he 'failed' though)
JR
OU7times Nov 28 07
My perspective on Solich's dismisal is not a popular one (don't want to get into that again) but now that S. Pederson is gone and seeing that he was nothing but a renegade with no respect for tradition or fans expectations. That being said, I have to say that it was highly "ironic" that Solich was reportedly "let go" for the reason that he might bring the program "down". How funny is that? Nebraska Football started the healing process the very moment Pederson was fired (very good). Tom Osborne was brought back (getting better yet) Callahan was fired (excellent move) and now a coach will be named. After a procession like that, how can the next move not be great??
doombob Nov 28 07
I was living on campus at the time of Solich's dismissal. He was let go for more than on-field performance. There were interesting stories of off-field behavior (told by somewhat reliable second hand sources). Pederson could have come up with a more plausible statement than his infamous "we will not surrender..."
Husker Mike Nov 28 07
Oh please..not those inane rumors again. Don't forget about Bob Davie's cable guy too... Sheesh.
Mase Nov 28 07
I have been wavering the last couple of weeks on whether I want Pelini or Gill taking over as the coach. I think I have finally rested on the position that Gill should be the next coach. That is, unless Spurrier is available. Yeah I said it!
Eric Couch Nov 29 07
Well now that you have decided, I think we can all rest easy.
I think this coaching job is wide open with many candidates and will be surprised to see Osborne hire Gill or Pelini. Jim Grobe to the bank!!
doombob Nov 29 07
Sorry. I get a little caught up in all this sometimes. I promise not to spread rumors again. About Solich. I make no such promises for Gill and Pelini.
Bill in Iowa Nov 29 07
Two schools of thought...did you catch this quote from the Lincoln Journl Star:
One of Osborne’s schools of thought is to find a coach who “either played at Nebraska or has been at Nebraska and ... understand(s) the culture....They know what walk-ons meant to the program in the past.�
Osborne also recognized that “an experienced coach with a solidified staff can come in here and sometimes save himself a lot of time and grief...Their systems are well in place and they don’t have to spend several months trying to figure out what each one of them is meaning by a certain term.�