One Man's Trash...
6 comments so far
January 19, 2008 by
Today's news is that former NU head coach Bill Callahan has agreed to a position with the New York Jets, where he will coach the offensive line, and focus on their running game. Juxtapose Callahan's relatively short time in the ranks of the unemployed with the often-forwarded photo shopped images of Callahan as an unemployed bum (sitting next to Steve Pederson) or as a plumber who can help "flush" a program away, and it drives home the old adage...One man's trash is another man's treasure. Callahan's hire and the recent hires among Big 12 conference schools also illustrate just how small some of these coaching circles are.
I'm not writing this to defend Callahan's tenure at NU. His record speaks for itself. The results weren't there, and it wasn't a good cultural fit with the state and program. But, in his time here, it became very clear that this is a man who would rather coach and game plan than do just about anything else. In certain circles - namely the National Football League - that is a recipe for near perpetual employment. Like any profession, people have networks and relationships that are used to acquire new jobs. Callahan's network dwells primarily in the NFL. So, he returns from which he came - the NFL. This time, he can dwell in the relative obscurity of being an assistant coach, rather than being the front man on the sidelines. For NU fans, I hope this is just another reason to turn the page and move forward.
NU of the South?
Speaking of coaching changes, is anybody else just a little bit intrigued by what's happening with the hires at Texas A&M? Former NU running backs coach Randy Jordan just joined their staff. That wouldn't be a big deal if the staff didn't already include NU's former defensive line coach Buddy Wyatt. Not only that, but the staff also includes a former assistant AD from NU, Tim Cassidy, and former Husker strength and conditioning coach Dave Kennedy. Throw in Zach Taylor as a graduate assistant coach, a former NFL guy - Mike Sherman - as the head man, and an athletic director with ties to NU (Bill Byrne) and the whole things starts to get a little strange.
On one hand, it is an affirmation that members of the previous NU staff have value in the open market, and that their relationships stayed at least partially intact. Of course, there are also plenty of fans willing to smirk politely as part a group that achieved less-than-stellar results reconvenes at another school within the conference.
Frankly I was rather glad to see offensive line coach Dennis Wagner land on his feet, as a head coach of a I-AA program. Of course, Kevin Cosgrove and Phil "the nomad" Elmassian remain unemployed at this point. I think that says quite a bit, considering how many of NU's problems last year were on defense.
Elsewhere in the Big 12
Former NU and UCLA offensive coordinator Jay Norvell is coming back to the Big 12, this time as the offensive coordinator at Oklahoma. This one caught me a bit off gaurd. Norvell is obviously well thought of, to be able to secure back-to-back-to-back jobs at quality programs. His offense at UCLA was no great shakes, that is putting it politely. Though, they did suffer numerous injuries at key spots. Still, I'll be curious to see how this plays out.
Finally, a familiar face is returning to Texas. Major Applewhite - quarterback in the UT win that broke NU's home winning streak in 1998 (ouch) - is taking a job as running backs coach in Austin. He leaves a "better" job (offensive coordinator) for Nick Saban at Alabama to return to his alma mater. Though, there are reports that the money will be the same at UT, and that he never was really in charge of the Crimson Tide offense.
Add this all up, and it just serves to remind folks of how small the coaching search spin cycle can seem. While I don't doubt that there is a much larger universe of prospective coaches from which programs can select, people tend to fall back on familiar faces and places when making choices. That's the case with most any job, even big time coaching.
Did you enjoy this article?
Get Husker news by email
Follow us on Twitter
Related Stories: Bill Callahan
Post a comment
darren Jan 19 08
I suppose it merit's mentioning that Steve Pederson (boo...hiss...) went back to his old stomping grounds - Pitt. They welcomed him back with open arms. Trash-to-treasure, for sure. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and all that.
And - total objectivity - NU fans (myself included) are *gladly* welcoming back a staff filled with familiar and formerly-fired faces...
Greg Morrow Jan 19 08
Lots of interesting points, Darren!
Callahan has set himself up with an interesting situation and opportunity. Mangini seems to hold Callahan in high regard, since his own job might be dangling precariously, after his "Manginious" year.
At this point, Callahan reminds me of Kevin Gilbride, who had a short stint with the Chargers. He's currently the Giants OC and I've seen him with other teams, since the Chargers. (He's the guy Buddy Ryan took a swing at, at Houston). Anyway, I wish only the best for Callahan and all his former assistants.
The Aggie situation is interesting. For a while, I've considered ATM to be a "kindred" team, in the conference. They have a rich tradition, if not as much actual winning success in the modern era.
Sherman, I suppose, could have been just as selective as anybody else and I don't put Nebraska's situation on Jordan and Wyatt either. Cosgrove would be considered a little more accountable, if not "culpable". (I wish him the best, too)
One thing about Norvell, did you see his last Quarterback?! With him, I'm reminded of Nebraska's offensive tenacity in '05 and '06.
Alot of illegal procedure penalties, though.
He was with Stoops for a short period in '02.
His role of co-OC and receiver coach might imply he'll help with Okie's passing game.
Which brings me back to your point of Coaches familiarity comfort zone. Enjoyed your post!
donfl Jan 19 08
I was never one to wish ill wiil to anybody who is looking for employment to support their family, but bottom line there is the issue of accountability. Callahan only took the NE job as an experiment, not understanding the need to connect with the Husker Nation, and in that aspect he failed miserably (helped by one of our own home grown failures, SP.) It's time to wish them well and look to the future. GBR
James Moore Jan 20 08
Good luck to you Coach Callahan. Could not agree with you more with donfl where it seems that he took the Nebraska job as an experiment without understanding the need to connect with Husker nation. We're not an experiment. We're the real deal. Living, breathing, and thinking of Husker football always. No room for experimentation. However you did not leave the talent cupboard completely sparce, I have a feeling that we will win well with the players you brought in here. Again good luck to you Coach Callahan and may you attain success at your new endeavor.
(Man did you drive me nuts last year though!!!)
HuskerWooWoo Jan 21 08
With Major Applewhite getting the running back coach job at UT does that mean that Chris Simms will be receiving the same job for the first three quarters of every game only to have the RB's fumble and fall over then reinstate Applewhite to have the RB's run for TD's?
bnahusker Jan 22 08
HuskerWooWoo.....
That is the greatest line in a month!
Thanks for a chuckle.
Bob