Nebhawk

When a new manager takes over a company that is doing ok, but has room to get better, things have to change in all areas of that company. You often will have some that want change, and those who don't, and throw the biggest fits. This is what I see going on with in the lockeroom with this team. Tommy's lack of fundamentals has cost this team games over the last two seasons. Throwing bad interceptions, and giving points to the other teams. Fundamentals. Riley is here to build the building blocks from ground level. That means that this season mght be and is a bust for some. I think that in some ways, we have gotten by with lack of fundamentals, work ethic and a good attitude. I think Riley is rebuilding those character issues each and every day. I think we have players that don't know fundamentals of the game that well and have gotten by on pure ability. This is why when in the past we have played teams with better talent and gotten blown out. Yes we have some talent on the field,too much to lose to Illinois and BYu. Never the less, if these guys have never really played the game right, and with fundamentals, are they doing the right thing just to win? Thats my question. If we have better players on the bench that have poor attitudes, and just can't accept playing for this coach, should they play anyway? Hell no. i think the issues on this team are far worse than a 3-5 record would indicate. I think once the season is over, more will come out of the woodwork. I think once this stuff does come out, we will have a whole different opinion of this staff and last years fired staff. I think things will make us appreciate the staff we have currently on this team. With change comes bumps and bruises. We are getting our share of bruises this season, but in the long run I do think that Riley and his staff can get us to the Big 10 title game. Beyond that, I don't think he can obtain, but I think in the next two seasons we can win the West and play for the Big 10 title. Just has to get his players in, and get his system in place with all on board.

Abandoned the run game to early........that seems to be the answer for all 5 losses by some fans. When your not gaining yards via the rush, you have got to try something else. When receivers drop balls on a very high rate, that doesn't mean the play call was bad, the player didn't step up and deliver.' No matter the coach, the style or the players, these issues have been going on for years now. Ameer Abdullah and the combo of Randy Gregory last year made some plays. Ameer might go down as a Top 5 all time RB here. Randy Gregory, when he applied himself, was a very talented pass rusher, but he chose to only play hard when the lights were on and his draft stock might raise a little bit. Ameer could gain 3 yard by himself if needed to keep a drive alive. Gregory could sack a QB when we needed that play to win a game. This team doesn't even have anyone on the same talent level as either one of those. The former staff didn't leave enough talent and this group hasn't had enough time to establish any kind of recruiting chain. Not a fan of Riley, but also not a fan of firing him right now. That changes from game to game, but looking at the landscape right now, I don't see a miracle worker out there. The coaching carousel is starting. Lets just see what, who, end up where this year. My only true concern is that Illinois and Minnesota find a good fit and become even better or at least solid. Illinois could become decent with Chicago near, just takes the right coach who can recruit.

The players are to blame some. TA threw the interception, that was as costly as any play in the whole game. Maybe was the game. Coaches can't coach effort. Now I said that, and do believe that, but this is a college institution, play someone else if you see others aren't playing hard!

If players aren't buying in, they are not buying in. It would be hard to get those who are not to do so. You can see it. No one is going all out each and every play. Its been that way for a ffew years though. Gregory, gifted, talented athlete who played hard about 1/3 of the time. When he was inspired to play hard, he was a difference maker. So is it players not buying in or is it just a lack of effort on every down? This is why you don't fire 9 win coaches. This is why you don't fire 9 win coaches............. Your not going to see this program and Riley have any success until some of the bad apples are gone. Believe you me, as soon as the season is over, your going to see those who don't and haven't bought in, leave and transfer. I am not better than most of you on this board in thinking that the issues start and stop with coaching staff. However, I often think that we are giving the players to much of a free pass in all of these losses.

The Tressel rumor was only in Lincoln, sorry. That one was never even mentioned on the national scene. Never.

Just saying that the choices are limited on who will and would come here. People, the money isn't there or the coaching isn't there to be hired. WE are now on our 4th head man since Ozzy, and I don't see the names being mentioned for this job, never once. Again, if someone wants this job, they will get the word out, and that isn't happening. Like I said, no fan of Bieliema either, but of all the names and supposed who we think would be greats, he might be the one who can do things on a short term notice that others can't or haven't done here since 99'. Just don't see where everyone gets the idea that money will bring in that guy either. Sure we could get a big name, but whose to say that won't be someone just for a paycheck as well. Coaching here is like coaching a franchise, either all in or dont bother showing up. 4th head coach in 18 years, and still 3 different times this job hasn't produced even a rumor of a big name, not even a rumor of it. If everyone is so sure of the ability to hire a Saban like coach, where is it? Pelini was hired because of who he was in the beginning. A fiery in your face coach who didn't take anyones crap. Same guy that 7 years later the same people got bored of this raging demeanor. Maybe then if we would have done an official coaching search and really looked for a "football coach", we would have gotten one then. So many mistakes have been made in all the searches to this point.

I reading and most posters believe money can bring in the next "Nick Saban" to coach here. Lincoln, Nebraska home of Big Red Football. Being honest but why in the world would you come here where you have to work twice as hard to bring in top notch talent from places like Texas, California, or Florida. Why? Money? If Alabama pays Saban $4mil a year, you have to pay someone here $6mil. Coaching here is harder....take alot more money, time and resources. This is why you have to hire someone who has midwest roots. Frost, Venables, or Bieliema. Venables to me could be the missing link, but I don't know if he is ever going to come back this way. For those who don't know, Brent Venables played linebacker at KSU, coached there, went to OU with Stoops, and now is DC at Clemson. Been known as a recruiter, and has some ties to Texas. We like to believe we have resources, facilities, and money. All those things help, but we don't have location, and we don't have a recruiting hot bed in which we can pluck talent from in our backyard. Tradition meant something 20 years ago, but now, its about way more than that. Nebraska was a name stay on TV for decades, now everyone is on TV a lot. Crying out loud a winless KU team has had all but one game on TV this season. Compare all things included in this thought process. They are not knocking the door down to come here. Just won't happen with everything else thats out there.

The only person that would entertain Nebraska right now is Scott Frost. If you fire Riley, Frost is the only answer right now. I mentioned that if Arkansas fires Bieliema, he would be available. Charlie Strong might be available, but won't get near another redneck program with high expectations. Tom Herman will either go to USC or Texas. My guess is that Texas has already sent out smoke signals, and with his hot start at Houston, its a no brainer. He already has recruiting ties in state, and has shown he can win and score points. Another thing is when its quiet, that means there are closed doors, and discussions. Believe me, these posts are being read or they wouldn't get deleted from time to time. Beggers can't be choosers. Fire Riley and give Scott Frost 4 years to get Nebraska back to "Old Nebraska" or hire Bieliema and take a chance on a proven Big 10 winner that no one likes because he lit Nebraska up a few years ago. Choices are limited.

People on this board are right about needing a coach who understands "Husker football". This is what makes the most sense. Someone who can embrace the past, and not be jealous of it. The issue with "big name" coaches are they have ego's. Those ego's are why you can't just bring in anyone. I read on here we need to run the ball more effective, and just plain need to run more. Bringing in a coach who can understand that the program is bigger than him is the number one goal, no matter if its now or later. Keep bringing in guys who want to leave there imprint on the program by passing. This will never work. It doesn't work in the Big 10, it doesn't work in the Big 12, and it doesn't work in the SEC. Pac 12 is the only conference that you can win some games by passing only, but even those teams are running more. You can run out of spread formations. You can run options out of spread formations.

Winning formula for Alabama is different than most programs. They are the south, and that is where the recruiting is. TO won with solid recruits, solid coaching, and a few walk-ons that exceeded expectations. Don't forget that the pipeline of offensive lineman, D-lineman that were developed here. You build an O-line program, you will get QB's, Rb's,and Wr's from where ever you want them. Right now Nebraska is at the bottom of the list of the football blue bloods. Bottom. Michigan went to the direction of Rich Rod, up and comer from the Pac 10, and he couldn't get the job done. They went back to a MAC coach, who was doing great, he couldn't get it done. Now they went back to what made Michigan great, a former player, a coach who knows Michigan, loves Michigan. That is and was Michigan's formula. What makes Nebraska great place to coach, also makes it not desirable for those on the outside. We have fired two coaches who won games, and won in high percentage rates. We play in a division with no marquee games, no true rivalry, no history, no tradition.

Again, throw all the names out there you want. They have been out there thru 2 coaching searches now and they didn't come here. Understand that coaches have agents, the agents contact the schools hiring firm or contact person when they are interested. I truly believe that all of the names on here had chances to come here, if they wanted this job. If Richt wanted to coach here, he would have made arrangements to at least set up an interview. Same with all of those names. Tressel, this name will never translate with me. He is from Ohio. His recruiting ties would be for Ohio St. Ohio has some of the best recruiting for football in the nation, but thats doesn't mean it translate for Neb. Texas, USC, Arkansas, South Carolina will be open more than likely this season. Texas has there claws in Tom Herman already. USC might be interesting depending on how Seattle does going forward. Arkansas is a mess about like Nebraska is right now. Could see Pelini going there actually. South Carolina along the same lines, but they are not considered prestigous job, just an SEC job. So Strong, Bieliema, and the staff from USC will be available from those lines, and the usual names............Fuente might be the only great chance among those, but he has Big 12 interest at some point. Realistic goals need to be established.

Phony message board. Might as well delete this thread too. Opinions are going to fly. Views are being stated. Deleting threads and posts is childish as hell. No more from me.....at least for now!

This message board is stupid. Having a thread about the next coach and now its removed....Grow up. This is why this whole school f"upped!

For all the years of now discontent, regardless, one coach, one season can't replace the last 14 years of being rather average and non threatening on the national scene. Don't like Riley, and would love to see him go with Eichorst, but I guess other than its fun to discuss, its not realistic. Only times that we have been national news is when we are firing a coach. That is our relevant card we can play, and I guess maybe we have played it too much, I don't know!!!! The issue is we can't find that guy because the splash hire won't come here. Its either we realize that this job isn't for splash hires, new hires and flame outs, and its for only those who can truly "know" what its like to coach here, at Nebraska. Its got to be someone who knows that first. It almost has to be someone who is Big Red born and bread. Forget about Herman, and others. Unless your a true Big Redder, this is just a stepping stone for a better world. Face it, TO won games, and won games and won games but almost left and almost was fired several times. Devaney stood by him. Its going to take that committment once again. No Bo wasn't ever going to be that kind of guy. Riley is by no means even close to that. Got to hope to the next one is, and we also have the right AD for the guy to succeed.

Its about winning now isn't it? I would almost guarantee you with Bieliema, we would be playing for the Big 10 title in 2 years. He would bring in the run game, the option game and the power game. He recruited several NFL caliber WR's, running backs, and lineman. His leftovers came into Memorial stadium and won. I don't like the guy either, but he is what Nebraska fans are wanting: Power smash mouth running game, and the surprise passing game that catches everyone off guard. He is a Big 10 guy. He won. Thats my only thing. He is realistic. So far we hired a NFL flame out, a Hothead, and now Mr. Clean, Welcome to my neighborhood type. Not the results were looking for yet. Call Bieliema an Ahole, he is, but he is also a winner in the Big 10. He is a winner who can beat almost anyone in the league and for sure in the West Div. Like I said, dislike the guy too, but realize that we either want a winning program or an image of a winning program. We have had the latter now for 15 years, but no substance to follow that up. All I am saying is that Bieliema at least has some substance.

Can we bare to see this program lose out and lose out big time in order to see change? It might be the best scenario. This might get Eichorst and Riley on the way out. Is that worth it? I for one will say that its absolutely worth it. 5-7 is not much better than 4-8 or 3-9. No bowl game damages just as much as losing out badly regardless. The issue is other coaches will tell recruits that Nebraska will fire Riley, so don't go there, and at that point, we might as well. Its a game that is being played at places. Its a game thats going to get played with our recruits this year. Just pull the plug and do it now. Damage is already done.

The damage is done already. This is the issue with having expectations. Sure Riley could come out next year start 6-0 an look great, but surely would lose to Wisky and Iowa and lose the Big 10 west, and here we go again with Bo like deal. We will give him another year that year we go 8-4, but win against a few decent teams, lose against the ranked ones. One more year is given, because of some promise in younger players, once again were 9-3 and still not playing for the West title...........this is the issue I have with keeping a coach that clearly can't get it done. I would have settle for 8-4 for this with our losses coming to Michigan St, Miami, BYU and Wisky. Losing to NW, Illinois should not happen. We should be 5-3 at worst. This is what I looked at in the preseason. Those 4 losses would have been manageable. Iowa being a surprise might have been acceptable if they are for real, but still those would be all losses with some hope in the future. When you lose to teams like Illinois, NW and a Wisky team that isn't anywhere near what it was, your failing to reach your potential. Like I said, the Wisky loss preseason was acceptable in some means, but after seeing them more and more, they are not a really good squad. Regardless, the reason, I can find reasons to defend Riley, but none are legit. Sure we can say that Bo had Ameer and Randy G who were game changers, but really two players don't define a 22 man squad, do they! 5-3 isn't a grand record by any means, but just think if we were 5-3 right now! There would be some hope at least for a West title yet wouldn't there be? Chance to play for something anyway. Right now there is nothing but pride, and frankly this bunch hasn't really proven that playing for pride is even a priority. Let me retract on this for a split second, Northwestern is a good team that has beaten currently ranked teams, and is playing better than last year, no disrespect to them. That is also why this is more irritating as well. They have beaten good teams, and we should have beaten them today, and pissed away another game passing the ball 49 times. Throwing a pick 6 for what ends up being the difference. In the day, you could count on Nebraska winning home games. Home games are and should be a given. Home losses to BYU, Wisky, and now Northwestern. Home teams win the close games, not lose them! No more excuses. Absolutely no more. Sure our talent level isn't top 20, but neither is the teams that are beating us. The coaches of these teams are not outstanding coaches, or recruiters. This isn't the PAC 12, where your a Beavers team that loses to the Ducks, USC, and Stanford, and you can say that those teams were just better all around. We have n't even played those kind of teams yet! I draw the line at Purdue or Rutgers. We lose either one of these games, we have to go in another direction. Have too!

I really am not pushing for Bieliema, but he is what is being described as who should be the next coach. If Iowa wanted him, they would have fired Ferentz in the last two years and hired him. They don't want him. He left Wisky because Alvarez is the real A-hole there, IE: Gary Anderson will tell you so.....and Bieliema as well. There recruiting standards are suspect for a school like Wisky. They will not take in any JUCO's, thats why Anderson left and Bieliema left along with money. There is no way that we are looking for a new coach this year unless it completely unravels, and that means losing out, and losing out badly. That is the price that would have to be paid. I talking about losing to Purdue, Rutgers, along with Iowa and Michigan St. Could happen, but won't................ Not sure about that even now! The issue is Riley will either beat Michigan St or Iowa, and this is enough fuel for one more year. Especially if its and undefeated Iowa team or Michigan St team. That one win can survive the staff even I am afraid. It will show that the "kids are buying", and just here Eichorst now say that.

Richt can recruit, but you said it, can't win the big one. If your recruiting at a rate where your Top 10 each and almost every year, you don't get beat by anyone unless its Alabama. That would be the only really acceptable loss if I was recruiting at that level. Richt won't be able to recruit Top 10 nationally to Nebraska. Top 25 maybe, but not Top 10. His talent comes from the South, that talent will not come here. Recruiting is 75% of the battle, but the other 25% is coaching them up to their ability level. Callahan recruiting at a decent level, but couldn't coach them up at all. My beef with him is not personal dislike, its just looking at what he has in place now, and thinking about his overall record against Top 10 teams and how he has done against those teams. Winning some SEC title when Alabama wasn't Alabama, and Florida didn't have Meyer, and LSU was down, doesn't cut it for me. Go out and win the SEC when you can beat those teams when they are Top tier, not down. Recruiting is a great tool, but if you can't see that only those like Saban, Miles, Meyer, and Harbaugh get the most and get the most out of the talent, look again. KSU with Snyder never is a Top 30 class in recruiting, but in the last few years have won the Big 12 and had several chances to win the Big 12. That staff coaches players up, and recruits what they need. Snyder built his program based on how TO did it here. The only difference is tradition. KSU will never have what is here.

Husker fans are...........................................................................unpleaseable. Funny, but I don't really like Bieliema that much, but he is who is being described in almost every post, on each thread and by most fans who call in. He is a run first coach, knows the landscape, and has coached in Big 10 title games and won! Fans ------decide whats best for the program and stick with it, but that sexy hire with glamourous name isn't going to come here right now, and definately won't come here if we fire another coach this season. Bieliema might be available though!

Whats jobs will be open: Miami Arkansas USC KSU-Snyder will retire or should Auburn-maybe Va Tech Don't think all these will be open, but certainly could. This is why I think Bieliema could be a good choice. Everyone wants the old Nebraska teams back.....pound the rock system. That is what Bieliema is and knows. He is not a SEC coach. He isn't winning enough for that school and the demands. SExy job is USC. That will be the top job open. Sorry, even if we fire Riles, were not the front runner job on that list. Honestly other than KSu, and Va Tech, all the rest would get better hires, in my opinion. Recruiting is easier to Miami, USC and more than likely Ark and Auburn. I can put us with Arkansas, but not Auburn and the other two.

The list should include but not limited to: Scott Frost Tom Herman Art Briles Brent Venables Bieliema. I like the Idea of Trev Alberts at AD and Frost as Head. Don't know if thats workable Brent Venables would be better than Bo, and understands the geographic area. Brett Bieliema knows how to run the ball and win in the Big 10. Most likely will be looking for a job. Art Briles can recruit, but its against Nebraska way and it would be pass heavy! Herman seems a good fit, but USC might be eyeing him and I guess it would be a decision on which program is closer to winning( USC). Of those names Bieliema actually would be the best option. Just think about Mel Gordon, and all those Rb's he recruited to Wisky. Better Qb's than what we have had, defenses are better. He was the D Co at KSU in 03' when they dismantled OU in the Big 12 title game. He would understand where he is!!!

Without- Two Draft picks sense of purpose depth What percent of the offense was Ameer last year? Has that been replaced? Times Gregory made big plays when needed? Game changer,,,,,,,,,right ? Without-pretty much sums it up for me.

Some really good points in this thread. I would agree with alot said on here so far. I was for keeping Riley for at least another season, now I would lean to the side of moving on. I have posted on other threads, but if this school, program and team will ever get back to what built the tradition, its getting family back involved. Hire Trev Alberts as AD, and at least let him hire someone, maybe Frost or at least bring Frost as Associate Head. This is my opinion, but say Tom Herman comes here, takes us to a 10 or 11 win season.........Urban Meyer gets in trouble at OSU, or another football power comes calling, would he stay here? That has always been my issue with hiring these up and comers. Bo would have bolted for Arkansas if not for them taking Bielema away from Wisky. This is why you need to hire a coach like Frost who would deem this a job of the life time for himself. Believe me, if the pressure comes from boosters, regents, people of Nebraska, Perls will do whats best. This is what happened when Ozzy was placed as AD, and Pelini was hired. The pressure and money came from all areas, and the money that the school receives might have disappeared in all areas, not just football.

The things that made the Big 12 better for Nebraska were simple: Rivals, regional games, bragging rights, opportunity for championship level football without realignment, (Big 10 already realigned once Nebraska played for Big 10 title), Big 12 never done that. People were overreacted to the Texas loss in the Big 12 Champ game. Agreed. Everyone knows that. Recruiting has taken a nose dive since joining the Big 10. Nebraska spent decades , decades in Texas mending, building recruiting ties. That was lost when we moved to this Acedemic Conference, if you choose to believe that ever had a true reason for leaving..... Could the Big 12 ever happen........I think it could if the Big 10 continues to invite in schools like Rutgers and Maryland to join, just for the "East Coast money". The best thing for Nebraska would be if the Big 12 imploded, and that could happen, and Iowa St, KSU, and KU somehow joined the Big 10. Its already been said that KU has been offered in the past for the basketball, and its widely considered that if the Big 12 would ever crap on them in some way, they would bolt, along with KSU for the Big 10 as well. If this would happen, you would see Iowa St go as well. Imagine this: Nebraska, Iowa, Iowa St, KU, KSU, Wisky, Illinois, NW, Notre Dame-West OSU, Michigan, MSU, Indiana, Purdue, Penn ST, Maryland, Rutgers-Minnesota-East That would enhance this league, and make Nebraska better. Of course with the current admin, and coaching staff, this wouldn't matter. Notre Dame would make this all worth while. Each team would have 8 conference games and 3 non-cons. USC, Florida St would still be able to play Notre Dame. Nebraska could schedule OU and Mizzou along with a tune up beginner game. Dreaming!