"Whoever Tom Chooses..."
11 comments so far
November 25, 2007 by
I spent my Thanksgiving weekend in Central and Western Nebraska. Everywhere I went, one topic - the NU coaches - seemed to come up. ("Happy Thanksgiving! What about the coaches?") I even had a older gentleman in a retirement home stop me three times to ask if I had heard the news of Callahan's dismissal. And, as conversations about coaches continued, one sentiment seemed to prevail. To a person, people said, "Whoever Tom chooses, I'll support." That statement speaks volumes about the conditions that precede whoever NU's next coach is, as well as the conditions that preceded Bill Callahan. It also reminds me of the imperative for NU fans to unify as a fan base.
You Are Who You Associate With
Your mother was right, folks. You are who your friends are, at least in part. Because who you throw your hat in with affects how people view you. This truism spells some very good news for NU's next coach, since they will be hired by Tom Osborne. Osborne is an icon - THE icon - of NU football. NU fans have almost universal trust in him. Or, at least they have the good sense not to question him openly.
The next coach will be afforded more time than many get in today's "win now" world of big time college football. Whoever gets the job will need at least some time for transition. How much is unknown. But, we have all learned the very hard way that both schematic and culture changes can take some time. Oh, sure, we'll expect a good dose of winning, no doubt. I want NU to go to a bowl next year, honestly. But, our collective faith in Tom will likely give the new coach at least some grace period from the rightfully high expectations in Nebraska.
Bill Callahan was undone by his own results. No bones about it. NU missed out on bowl games in two of the four years he was coach, suffered enormous blowouts, demonstrated historic defensive futility, and ushered in multiple losing streaks. These are not the stuff of legend. They aren't even mildly acceptable.
That said, Callahan suffered from the association affect that could be helpful to the new coach. Callahan was hired by Steve Pederson - enemy of the state. Pederson's firing of a bowl-eligible coach, and his ridiculous one-man prolonged search for a replacement really stunk up the place. Whoever came through the door would require a "hard sell" to fans and boosters, because they were pretty angry to start with. And, let's face facts, who really believed for a second that Callahan was Pederson's "Plan A" as a coach?
Nope, this one was over almost before it started. Mom was right. When you hang with a bad crowd and you are likely to get caught up in something you don't want or need.
Time to Unify
I don't know who the next coach will be. There will be certainly be significant discussion on this site and others over the course of the search. I do know one thing in my heart - this next coaching choice is exceptionally important. Not since Devany tapped Osborne to succeed him has the program been at this kind of crossroads.
Don't kid yourself. It CAN get worse for NU. There are many examples of proud programs going to lower depths than NU's current state of affairs. That's why this choice is so important. Osborne needs to right this ship, decisively.
Most importantly, for NU to remain relevant nationally, for the sellout streak to continue, and the program to remain viable and vibrant, fans must unify. The fracture that Pederson created in 2003/2004 has widened in to a chasm, in my opinion. People of differing view points - and often generations - have squared off over what is right. With this next hire, everybody needs to get back under the Big Red tent.
Back when Solich was fired, I heard somebody say something very smart - "Only Nebraska can kill Nebraska." And boy oh boy, have we been proving that right ever since. Nebraska is bigger than any person or faction of people. We are fortunate to have the one man everyone can agree on - Tom Osborne - back in charge and set to make the decision. Our mandate as fans isn't to inform, instruct, dictate or criticize that choice. Our best chance for success will be to embrace the new hire - whoever it may be - and cheer for the team zealously.
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cvldfg Nov 25 07
Nice article Darren,
You are right, as a whole, we do need to come together. I believe in Dr. TO, just as probably 99.9% of other HUSKER faithful do.
It is IMPARITVE that he chooses the right man, a man that DESIRES to be in the fold for a long time. We need a man that gets us back to OUR TRADITIONS AND BELIEFS. The BASICS, (the meat and potatoes), of football is what WE are about. That means an ATTACKING DEFENSE, GREAT LINE PLAY, and A STRONG RUNNING GAME. Am I saying go back to "3 yards and a cloud of dust", no, but power football works. What BC and Petersen NEVER understood is we are a simple, brown-bagging family in the middle of the country, not some city slicker in an Armani suit, ala BC and SP. I know SP is a HUSKER by birth, but he changed.
With an offense that can move the chains and chew up the clock wears down a defense better than any offense out there. I do agree that with BC's offense, we were able to come back from deficits much easier than with an option style offense. Now we need to find a way to incorporate that when needed during a game.
If Bo Pelini is our next coach, you won't hear anyone cheer louder than me, but I still think we need to find an OC that can incorporate both styles into a game plan depending on the defense at the time. One thing that irked me more than anything about the BC coaching staff, was that the defense never made the right adjustments at half time when needed. COZ was almost always out coached in the second half.
You are right Darren, we need to circle the wagons and regroup as an entire state. Get back to what makes us HUSKERS. I think it may be time for me to move back HOME. When I left just over a decade ago, everything was in great shape, what happened? My next job move is definitely a transfer back to the fold.
ze bop Nov 25 07
Nice sentiment. It would be nice, I suppose, if any 'Nation' unified exclusively behind one cause(other than to ward off military invasion), but that's just not the way the world turns: shucks, that would be just plain un-'American'.
Husker Fan has never been, and is not currently, 100% behind St. OZ(whisper 3 ave Marias)--exceptin' when he won us them 3 NCs, woohoo!--and though there will be greater unity for sure, small, warring factions will still exist.
St. OZ(3 more ave Marias) hand picked Frankie and backed the hire of Pedeyshine--and we all know how THAT panned out. Hint, hint, he's not infallable.
That being said, it would be almost impossible for him to screw up this hire: if in doubt, go with Turner or as a second choice, BO P.
However, beyond those two obvious winners, it could get a little 'dicey' from there in terms of Husker Fan acceptance 'viability'.
Again, I will reiterate my preference for Brian Kelly, but I fear Retro Husker Fan wouldn't like him: he's sort of slick like Calli and uses a laminated card(like so many coaches, for shame!) to run his hi tech O. But the guy WINS!
So, to wrap up my diatribe, a completely unified HF is a pipe dream; HF will only be unified when there's another HC sitting in the NE AD trophy case...
ze bop Nov 25 07
uuups....
"HF will only be unified when there's another HC sitting in the NE AD trophy case..."
insert *NC trophy*
ze bop Nov 25 07
Well, just glanced at the LJS board rgdg the topic of the next coach:
Unified Husker Nation? The 'cun-poo-der' sez....."naw".....resoundingly so. :(
scott Nov 25 07
You hit it right Darren....this can get worse, a lot worse before it gets any better.
This is going to take time. Whoever the new coach is I'm behind him 100%. Believe it or not this is a chance for a fresh start. I hope the underclassmen and new recruits, no matter what their star rating is, look at this year and are already pissed off about it and are going to vow to not let it happen again.
Anyone see Ganz block on the Hardy reverse on Friday? That kid is a tough SOB and if he isn't a captain next year then something is really wrong. That's the mentality this team needs heading into winter conditioning and spring ball.
This is going to be a fun couple of weeks. For those that don't agree with the newly hired coach, at least stick by your TEAM. Trust TO will make the right decision. Remember that it isn't about wins and losses, it's about being competitive in our games.
Every home game next year needs to be louder than the one before. We need to show these other teams they're in for a fight when they step foot in our house.
This is Husker Nation so let's show the new coach how united we are and how proud he needs to be coaching this program.
The Count Nov 25 07
All of the choices are better than what we had and the new coach will have sometime to build up good will. He gets 5 home games to start. True the last two of them Va Tech, and Missouri figure to be Very tough games but the first three against Northwest Southeastern West Central should give the new coach sometime to win friends.
Bill in Iowa Nov 25 07
This article makes a great point. Listening to TO's press conference also reinforced the utter wisdon, fairplay, decency, and logic that makes TO legendary and deeply trusted. It's not just about an icon...its about a person whom Husker nation can trust to make wise decisions...although not infallible ones. I like what TO said about getting back to the Husker IDENTITY...smashmouth football. Rebuilding our base of Nebraska athletes playing for the program. And choosing the best candidate for the new coaching position based on character, ability, and leadership...with ties or without ties to the program. That little something that was missing during the Cali era was called Husker football (namely the hard nosed attitude, confidence, and aggresive style of play we have grown accustomed to watching. I for one have missed it and am confident that whomever TO chooses can recapture the heart and soul of Husker football. I believe the next coach will either have to exhibit a deep understanding of what Husker football is about (whether they have a tie to the program or not) or will already know what it is about having been inside the program for a year or ten. My gut tells me TO is going to lean towards the later alternative and therefore choose Turner Gil or Bo. I guess we'll find out soon enough.
James Moore Nov 25 07
It's 9;40 EST time as I type this and I just read that a plane provided by a prominent Husker booster has just landed in Baton Rouge on way to Atlanta (site where the firm helping Dr. Tom with the search). Seems that Bo Pelini is inevitable at this point. We're going to get what we want. . .
Whomever it is, I'm sure that we'll all get behind the new head man, we're Husker fans and we've got too much class to not do so. As for Nebraska identity I happened to have a picture from the 1996 opener vs Michigan St where there was a Spartan receiver, smothered. One blackshirt on the leg, another furiously attached to the other, immediately on the top was two others smashing each shoulder and wrapping up, and another from behind, WITH a Mike Minter within arm's reach. . .
Husker football is about imposing your will, submission of the opponent through the frutility of trying to match our intensity, smashing the A-gap on offense and abdolutely denying it on defense, offensive lineman bearing down in level 2 & 3 with a cowering DB or LB in space realizing his impending doom, and physical dominance. I remember after the 1997 Big 12 Championship game vs A&M and their trainer was quoted saying, "they absolutely killed us, we were dropping like flies out there."
Now you do not have to run the single wing/spread option to do this. USC showed this. Ohio St and Oklahoma are physical attacks lined up under center. Honestly I think the fact that we'll be hitting more than once a week in practice in fall camp will be worth a win in itself. Stress technique and not scheme and that could be one more win right there. Practice hard and play hard. . .
Finally anyone notice how well small college football is in Nebraska now that there is no more walk-on program here? Article on Huskerextra or somewhere else that I read concerning this last point. GO BIG RED!!!
doombob Nov 25 07
Did anyone watch the Mizzou game last night? More than tradition has been missing at Nebraska. What we've been needing is creativity on both sides of the ball. Being able to accurately utilize the players at a coach's disposal is crucial. Dr. Tom Osborne said it best when he said that our athletic talent rivaled many in the Big 12 and good coaching should have made us a top tier team.
Greg Morrow Nov 25 07
Watching "Dr. Tom" announcing Callahan's dismissal yesterday, then answering the questions, once again reminds me of how unique a man Osborne is. The man talks slowly, looks at people and smiles. Does it again, as he makes a "comment" within his comments. Then at the end, a polite yet forceful "one last question." Of course a female reporter indulges, but not many females running around the locker room, so he let that one pass.
He had my rapt attention. Was I the only one trying to interpret each inflection?
Man, it's nice to have him back!
He's not going to find "Tom Osborne," because that mold been broken and there is no imitating him. He's an original.
I think he's looking for a guy who's already made his trial and error type mistakes and can absorb this program, "breath it in," and not get "all choked up" with pressure.
I prefer a Defensive oriented guy who can find an up and coming OC. Like Shawn Watson, possibly. As Tom pointed out, those will all be the new HC's choices.
Somehow, some way, somebody has to be able to solve these fun (horrifying) spread attacks. Nationally, this offensive style may be ahead of most defenses, but, Nebraska has to have a guy who can at least stop (slow) the bleeding enough to get the ball back to the offense a few more times a game.
This team was suffering from a crazy disaffectation. Probably still is. They need a reason to believe in themselves, again. You know alot of them internalized this. Blamed themselves, to an extent. That has to be stopped.
That's the guy Osborne needs to find.
I'd be pleased with a Pelini or Gill hire, but I don't think they've made enough mistakes to have learned from, yet. There's a few out there, who have.
ze bop Nov 26 07
I guess that plane is rumored to also be headed to Atlanta(Petrino) as well and then Buffalo, at least that's what it's looking like. Petrino sort of reminds me of OZ--in appearance.
He'll probably talk to Muschamp along the way, too.
OZ, livin' like a rockstar!
They say that the BOP-father(Pelini) isn't so slick in interviews("you gotta problem wi'h dat?") which should be perfect since OZ is not about 'flash'.
I predict a spread option O at NE, ala WV with running passing QB ala Pat White/Dennis Dixon and if Pelini's at the helm there'll be a mafioso D!
'Atsa Italiano'!