Welcome Back Doug Colman

1 comment so far March 25, 2008 by Darren K. Carlson

By now, many Husker fans may have heard that former Husker player and current high school coach Doug Colman is exploring a return to NU. He has recently resigned his position as the head coach at Absegami High in New Jersey. As an emerging coaching talent, Husker legacy, and potential recruiter, I'm all for his return.

Frankly, I'm still a little sketchy on the details of Colman's possible employment at NU. Apparently it won't be for a graduate assistant position. And, I doubt he would have quit a paying job with little more than an promise from NU. I also wonder how NU will fit him on to the staff. Are they a coach short of the NCAA allowance, or is somebody leaving? So, there are still questions. But, Colman's history as both player and coach make me excited to get him involved with NU again.

As a Player
Colman was a quality player on great NU teams. He was a major contributor to NU's 1994 and 1995 National Championship teams. Splitting time at middle linebacker with Phil Ellis, Colman totaled 51 tackles (2 for loss) and 3 sacks in 1994, and 46 tackles (6 for loss) and two more sacks in 1995.

He went on to play five seasons in the NFL for the Giants, Titans and Browns. While with the Titans, he played in the Super Bowl. So, he's seen the pro side of the game and what it offers.

As a Coach
Colman has earned his chops as a high school coach. Before Colman, Absegambi High had little football tradition to speak of. Under his leadership, they have had a resurgence, going 40-15 with playoff appearances and sectional titles.

And - at least according to his Wikipedia entry - he has recently coach linebackers with the Amsterdam Admirals in NFL Europe, the NFL's developmental league. So, he has more than just high school work on his resume.

Potential Impact
I think getting Colman on the staff in any capacity would be great. This guy has all the markings of a coach on the rise. He's just 34. If a successful high school coach has a taste for being a defensive assistant and wants to break in to college football with his alma mater, I am all for it. And, many of NU's defensive assistants are also trying to break in to D-1 with NU. Maybe having a guy who has been at the top of a program - even at the high school level - would be a very good addition.

New Jersey is certainly a ripe area for high school talent. Many major programs draw talent from the Garden State. And, NU has had success with NJ players before (Rozier, et al). If Colman gives them some recruiting foothold in that state, then great.

Finally, for those looking for a renewal of NU's football culture, Colman is a great addition. It's impossible to "rewind to the 1990s", but here is a guy who was in that locker room during a great run, and who had a leadership role (middle linebacker) on the field.

Sign him up...for anything.

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