Eye-catching Coaching Changes for NU Fans
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December 14, 2009 by
Former Husker Turner Gill landing the head coaching job at Kansas was obviously the coaching change story of the weekend for Big 12 fans. Arizona defensive coordinator Mark Stoops leaving for Florida State to play the same role is another one that grabs your eye. Replacing him will be Colorado secondary coach Greg Brown.
For Nebraska fans in particular it's certainly a mixed blessing to see Turner take the KU job. On the one hand, you love to see a deserving former alum get a coaching nod at a BCS school. On the other, you don't want to have to play against him every year. Husker fans will now have a rooting interest for who they'd like to see come in second in the Big 12 North each year. If Turner did turn the Jayhawks into a championship-caliber program, there might be some regret that they didn't hire him when they had the chance. But how likely does that seem with Gill coming off a 5-7 season (including a 3-5 conference record) as head coach of Buffalo?
While Stoops departure from Arizona is set for after the Holiday Bowl, it certainly could be a distraction to the team as the defenders have to be wondering what the future will hold. The early comments from the Wildcat players were kind enough, but it's hard not to take it personal when a head coach jumps programs to make what is essentially a lateral move. It's not that he's taking a promotion, he just thinks Florida State is a better place to be. Ouch. And we thought the Pelini brothers don't always get along.
At least Greg Brown's move is a promotion as he becomes a co-defensive coordinator at Arizona. You still wonder if the move has something to do with job security for the coaching staff in Colorado though. If you were a Colorado assistant, wouldn't you have to consider any job you could get on another staff at this point? The Buffs are definitely going to be in "win or else" mode next year. The over/under there is probably leaning "else".
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tom Dec 14 09
Don't forget about coaching intern Joe Ganz!
J Dub 007 Dec 14 09
Some A$$ Monkey at KU has already set up a fire Turner Gill website. Typical KU moron. Good luck to TG, he is a hell of a person.
Matt Dec 14 09
I honestly only see positives for Nebraska in this.
One, if Turner Gill does well (hopefully not at our expense...), it helps solidify Osborne's place as one of the greatest coaches in CFB history. The main (only?) gripe people had in putting Osborne in that Pantheon of great coaching legends was his lack of coaching heirs. That's starting to work itself out, and if Gill does well, we'll see more Nebraska coaches formerly under Dr. Tom get more play...which helps further invalidate that gripe.
Two, if Turner does strike out in Lawrence, he will likely take a head coaching job at a mid-major again, or he'll get on as an assistant coach at a major program again. If our offense isn't where it needs to be, he could spend a few alongside Bo, fix it up, and be back in the running as a Head Coach again in no time.
Spaceman Spiff Dec 14 09
I would not of taken the job if I where him. Big 12 south maybe, but KU? It is good for him, I am glad to see him move up, but I also enjoyed rooting or him wholeheartedly. now I have to reserve against it a bit. That will be weird.
4EverRed Dec 14 09
Tom,
Speaking of Joe Ganz, when does he officially come aboard?
william martin Dec 15 09
TG will do well at KU and install an offense that will immediately compete especially against NE.
tom Dec 15 09
The only specific time frame in the Lincoln Journal Star article is "next season".
JohnTawm Dec 28 09
The best wishbone QB ever! I wish Turner Gill well at KU.
1) Gill
2) Frazier
3) Hollieway