Osborne Gets His Man
15 comments so far
December 2, 2007 by
There was certainly cause for concern about the timing of Bo Pelini’s arrival at Nebraska given that LSU had a chance to climb into the top two spots of the BCS rankings to play for a national championship. But fortunately, Bo Pelini recognized the job ahead of him in Lincoln and for the second time in recent weeks chose to be head coach at the University of Nebraska over remaining as defensive coordinator at LSU.
Tom Osborne outlined Pelini’s credentials at the press conference announcing him as Nebraska’s next head coach, which by now most Nebraskans are familiar with. The good news for those who like to see the head coach calling plays is that Pelini will continue to make the defensive play calls. That means we don’t have to worry that the responsibility of calling the defense will be left to someone lacking Bo’s talent for the role.
While we now know with certainty who Nebraska’s next head coach will be, there are still the matter of nine assistants to be hired. Many believe that Bo’s brother Carl will be given a job on the staff and other names that have been mentioned include former NU secondary coach Marvin Sanders. There could be some holdovers as well, like Shawn Watson. But just as Nebraskans have collectively played, “who’s our next coach” for the past eight days (or longer), we’ll now play “who’s our offensive coordinator”, defensive coordinator, receiver’s coach, etc.
But now rather than sweating out the BCS selections we now know Nebraska’s own selection has been made and that Dr. Tom’s top selection also chose Nebraska. And that’s the good start that Nebraska needed to turn around the team.
» Enjoy this article?
Send it to your friend or subscribe to our free newsletter!
Related Stories: Bo Pelini, Coaching Changes
Post a comment
kyle Dec 02 07
I think it would be great to keep spread/west coast and keep Watson and most of the offenses but basically the whole defense should be gutted and he should hire people he knows will do a good job on the defense side of the ball. Or keep some people basically review every area of defense this year. What work what didn't. I dont want Bo changing the offense much cause last time a head coach did that it messed up everything (Callahan's butt buddy coz)
ze bop Dec 02 07
"Dude, you're gettin' a D...!"
Greg Morrow Dec 02 07
This being the only team I've tried to observe, even though the Chargers and Aztecs play about 4 miles away, I was literally offended when every assistant save Turner and Downing- the current coach at Northern Colorado, was fired in Jan of '04. I knew Callahan had every right, especially offensively. But, seeing former players come back to coach in '03, then get fired after the impressive defensive turnaround from '02; was just hideous. This was my team though, so that was how it was going to go. Disappointing, though.
Now Callahan is transitioning, but I feel the same way about the current offensive assistants. Pretty much wasn't their fault and I'm sure they'll make progressive design adjustments if most or all get to stay. I'd love to see Ron Brown of staff again, even Barney. Not enough room for everybody. I look for Pelini to make prudent, pragmatic decisions with the offense.
Watson does seem to be too talented to let go, but he has witnessed two consecutive HC's get the kibosh with Barnett and now Callahan. Maybe HC no.3 is the charm.
On Defense though, maybe just the new guy Wyatt and possibly Busch (because he's a good recruiter) could possible stay. Or they all go, strictly Bo's decision and I can't wait to see what he does, these next couple of weeks!
OU7times Dec 02 07
I'm hearing on ESPN that Pelini is uncertain whether he will coach LSU's defense at the BCS Champ Bowl game or not? Are you kidding me?? I hope that's just "heresay". That should be a "no brainer". You are Nebraska's property now, not Mr. Smugass Les Miles'. Recruit on the road, not at someone else's bowl game.
Dwayne Dec 02 07
Has anyone heard the terms of the contract? I will be anxious to see what his staff is comprised of. Turner returning at this point is probably a long shot as on OC. I would hope that Turner wouldn't and remain among the head coaching contingents. Pelini is a pretty intelligent person and I'm sure he's briefly looked at the future scheduling, current roster, and possible commitments. He has a tremendous opportunity at hand here and it won't be easy with the other Big XII program's returning rosters, but if anyone can do it he's one of a few. I think each team in the north has quite a few letter winners returning, not to mention OU in the south. I agree with Darren in a previous post, zero in on the north and build around that. And my one question to Pelini would have been: Do you ever smile? But then towards the end of the press conference, there it was. I hope we see that a bit more. One last thing, I will also be watching to see who decommits and who this staff will retain and recruit in the next couple of months. It is going to be a long winter. And when is this playoff thing going to happen? Isn't it long overdue? I don't think this past season is going an anomaly.
BmaxBuffalo Dec 02 07
Turner is the Head Coach at The University OF BUffalo.. My guess is UB is trying to put together a Pay raise an extension as we speak... I do believe he won't be here long...
My guess is After He gets us to a Bowl Game he is gone...Which could be next year....There will be openings next year .. There always a job open some where .....My early hot seats for coaches....Syracuse....Should have been fired this season..UCLA If not after the bowl game....Minnesota, and Iowa State....
Bmax
rangerhusker Dec 02 07
westcoast offense:
ive said it before and I am going to say it again. running the ball effectivly wins games, not mostly passing. here's my reasoning.#1 you control the ball/clock. the longer you have the ball, the less your opponite does.IE(short of going out of bounds the clock doesnt stop. then your offense gets into a rythem and you can pass if you need to,and your defense is rested and your opponits offense cant get into rythem. now as far as passing is concerned i do think it is important,however, you shouldnt rely on it. my proposal would be to keep a west coast attitude with the pass keeping what works and bringing the run downhill mentality to the picture.
RangerHusker
P.S. we also need to learn how to not produce penalties,interceptions,and fumbles. i think this was a huge problem this yr. as well
James Moore Dec 02 07
We got who we wanted. I think that he COULD be our Stoops. Hard to imagine people NOT playing hard for this guy. I echo a much popular sentiment in wanting to see Watson stay. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. This offense could put up some huge numbers next year. Ganz can run the spread and we know that he's got the west coast down cold. . .
What am I expecting? Intensity. Physical presence on both sides of the trenches. The ability to shed blocks and get multiple defenders to the ball, solid tackling. But most of all, discipline and intensity. I am expecting on the basis of the level of increased intensity of the upcoming off-season training regime, spring ball, and a ferocious fall camp that we will be a solid 8 win team next year. Bo will turn guys like Thenarse and Dillard into absolute killers. . .
The offense is in place. We have some extremely talented young offensive lineman. This is a very young team still. We could be a force in the North next year. I think that on Saturday between Pitt and Oklahoma that we learned what needs to be done against the spread. Oregon/WVU (Wishbone), Kansas (Veer), Missouri (Run-n-Shoot with I-formation type running plays), Florida (Run-n-Shoot/Wishbone). Bo will get these guys to settle down, look past the spread/shorgun formations, and call these offenses for what they really are. . .
To OU7Times, congratulations. Thanks for beating Missouri. I recall you mentioning that Loadholt gets some silly false starts and I cracked a smirk when he jumped a few times. Oklahoma, USC, Georgia and LSU prove that although the spread is vogue, if you are physical and can establish yourself on both sides of the ball this is still (I believe) the most effective way to play the great American game of football. . .
Dwayne Dec 02 07
Ranger,
I agree to a point, however, NU's problems this season were marginally on the offensive side of the ball. The thing that stood out after this whole season was we couldn't stop the run. The other point is New England which runs a version of the west coast offense. I don't think that they really have ran the ball this season but relied heavily on an effective passing game which controlls the ball and the clock. NU would play some of those Miami teams which had pretty good speed and they would shut down our running game. It left us little option when we were down by 2 or 3 scores. The one thing that it does do is it usually keeps you from getting blown out like we saw this season.
d> Dec 02 07
i just heard bill callahan is going to be our next offensive coordinator
Kyle Dec 02 07
1. i dont think Callahan would go from HC to OC thats a wrong turn in career. 2 i dont think anyone wants him to be OC 3. Watson is better if not Watson there are a long list of OC we could get better than Callahan. 4. I dont think Bo and him are good friends?
If he is he has a short time to make a statement. First 5 games would have to be won by alot of points.
ze bop Dec 02 07
Livin' in Bogasm Central, dudes!
Bye BC Dec 03 07
Husker Nation should rise up and let Pelini know that coaching LSU in the title game is unacceptable. I've read on other blogs the argument that this could be a good recruiting opportunity. This argument fails for three reasons (among others):
1. You're the HEAD coach at Nebraska -- it's a full-time job (especailly now as NU needs serious attention).
2. If LSU loses, which is not impossible, the HEAD coach of Nebraska loses. It's not worth the risk!
3. If LSU wins, recruits say, hey, LSU won! Not, the HEAD coach of Nebraska successfully coached the D. Plus, it sends the wrong message -- hey, what's my coach still doing at LSU?
Pelini should go out on a high note, winning the SEC title game, and leave it at that.
ze bop Dec 03 07
BO earned the right to coach in LSU's title shot, even if it's just as a figure head. It's a rare opportunity.
There's a dead period in recruitung starting the 17th.
I say, if OZ(his boss) has no prob with it, let him do it.
Steve Dec 03 07
How quickly the story changed. I had no idea that "starting immediately" could mean that he'd coach the bowl game. It really sounds like a no-win deal for Bo. Coach in that game and he loses precious time establishing things at Nebraska. Skip the bowl and he looks disloyal to the kids he just coached. I'll support whatever he does but I was sure hoping it would be Georgia playing OSU.