Nebhawk

Forget the coaching in waiting tag. That won't happen. If Frost comes here as an assistant, it will be just that. For crying out loud, we complain about our coaches enough without having that hanging in front of whomever would get the gig. Imagine winning a game or losing a game 52-51. How would that make any coach look in those circumstances? Who would coach in those terms that are worth there weight in gold? First time that would happen, everybody would be calling for the head coaches head already.....Kind of like already happened with Pelini. Callahan would lose games where we scored in the 30's and we all thought what we needed was Bo then because the offensive side had tools to work with now........... So really, the coach in waiting thing is so clearly wrong...............why keeo going there!!!!

I meant to have Tressel in that mix as well. Johnson, Calhoun, and Tressel have alot of option style in there attacks.

This is just killing me, but because you can recruit to Georgia, doesn't mean you can to Lincoln Nebraska. Atlanta is in his hip pocket. Just because your on Saban's staff, doesn't mean you can recruit for yourself to a different school. Its easy to recruit talent to Alabama with Saban as the main man. Makes easy sell for recruiting having that behind you. This is why all the speculation and reasons why and why not a certain person would be a great fit for here just blows me away. Nebraska is almost 2 decades removed from winning a NC. 15 years removed from a conference champ. Current high School players don't know about what was Nebraska. The right guy is different in everyone's eyes. For me, I want a coach who can bring some respect. Have a midwest style of attack. Option style with some spread mixed in. For me that guy would be either Calhoun or Johnson. Option players are still in play. They are now often turned into WR, Rb's and TE. An option QB, and a running back like Newby with Cross at Fullback would just be complete butt kicking. Thats my outtake. Not living in the 90's, but thinking that running the ball is the true identity of Big Red Football. Bring it back mixed with spread/pro style feel and see what happens.

This is my take on the currrent situation Top 5 reason why this is a great job. 1. Tradition 2. Facilities/Money 3. Academics 4. Fans 5. Weakest Power conference Top 5 reason that hold back potential great choices 1. Geography 2. Recruiting base is limited causing who ever coaches alot of work and finding hidden gems 3. Its not what it once was. 4. Fans 5. Tradition (expectations) The best argument I heard that should lure a great choice is the notion that soon the playoffs will expand to 8. So this would include all power 5 conferences. Win your West division and win the Big 10 title and your in. So that means winning essentially 3 games per season against good relevant competition- Wisconsin-on a yearly basis, and who ever you play from the East side in rotation. Michigan- Ohio St- Penn St. You won't have all 3 in one season, but maybe 2 of the 3. So in a 12 game regular season you should expect to have just one tough game to win the West division. Take care of the West and everything else is up for discussion. This could be the easiest route to the playoffs of all 5 power conferences. Think about that.

Tressel was my initial thought as a slam dunk. Now after reading more about his situation and missing some games for something he did a few years ago, doesn't set well with me now. I don't like the coach in waiting thing IE: Texas and Muschamp, Fischer and Bowden. They don't end well. The older coach seems to win just enough to stay around and the "coach in waiting" is just that. I think it draws the wrong kind of attention from the national media. I don't think recruits would like it. Parents of recruits. As I also stated in a previous post, Tressel would still be coaching there if not for Urban Meyer on the set of ESPN during this time frame. It all kind of worked out for everyone that he was let go for Urban too take the reigns.

Paul Johnson winning percentage is just a couple of percent worse than Bo's coaching less talent. If you can recruit some, and coach a lot, your going to win. Same formula that T. O. used for 25 years. Thats what is missing right now from this program. Not pushing for Johnson to get the job, just saying that there are much worse coaches out there.

I am going to as of right now thank BO for what he did do here: No NCAA investigations, players were not an embarrassment to the Big Red nation, no recruiting scandals, no tattoo scandals, didn't lose to schools like Mcneese St or South Dakota. Players graduated. Put players in the NFL( even though they have lessened since Callahan recruits left),ETC..........you get the point. That being said, it was time to go into a new direction. That direction has many turns and twists right now, but do feel a change was due. I can see Frost being the next one. Dr. Tom would be right there for help. I think Frost should bring in some legends to work on his staff. Gill, Rathman, Craig among others. Get some tradition back and get some Nebraska football back. THe identity of Big Red Football. Turner Gill should be the associate Head coach/QB coach. Rathman or Craig as your RB's coach. I would rather see them wait on Frost, but the chance he could go somewhere else right now and become an instant success is there. Maybe there more than anyone realizes. I went thru my list once again, and really I don't see a slam dunk on the board right now. If thats the case, take the one who knows the landscape and knows the terrain that is coaching Big Red football.

I think Richt is the next one. Even if I don't think he is any better than Bo, I think he is next. Georgia is dying to get rid of this guy. I think our AD and theirs are in talks. I think Georgia wants to fire him and if he wants the Nebraska job it makes things easier for all involved. I don't have great facts or even any, just speculation at this point. Troy Calhoun is interesting, and I think he could do a nice job. Paul Johnson is my choice if you want an option type coach with experience in a Power 5 conference. Bielema is a nice choice, but wanted out of the Big 10 or he wouldn't have left Wisconsin. Petrino is a nice thought, but if he does well here, he will leave for the next Arkansas or Alanta Falcons job, and he will get those offers again. Turner Gill would be nice to see come back in some capacity either OC or Associate head coach/QB coach type of role. Roger Craig and Tom Rathman would nice to include in some way as well. Lets bring back some tradition and pride to our sidelines once again. Scott Frost included. Bring back some coaches that are Big RED thru and thru.

I get so tired of hiring or people who think the OC or DC at a powerhouse like Alabama or wherever should be the next coach somewhere else. Think about it, Pelini was from Nebraska, OU and LSU. He is/was Kirby Smart. How many times does it work out when you hire someone elses OC/DC? It will work for a season or two, but never has long term benefits. I shouldn't say never but its hard. Its easier to recruit to Alabama or Florida St or whom ever if your head coach is Saban, Fischer, or whomever. Think about it. Just becasue your coaching at Alabama doesn't mean you can at Nebraska. Just because he is a good x and o guy at Alabama, it might not translate in recruiting and coaching at another D -1 school. So tired of that mentality. Thats what got Nebraska into this shape. Did Bo do more than Callahan, Yes. Did he recruit better, NO. Was both an upgrade over Frank, I would say yes to a certain point. These guys were coordinators. Callahan was nothing more than an overhyped coordinator along with Bo and actually Frank. Frank knew one thing and that was option, I formation. Lets get someone with there own identity for a change.

Tressel is a good hire and would be a great fit. I think he could do the job, and Nebraska could supply ample sweater vests. Upon further thought I think, and this is all hypothetical, Richt is in the mix, Tressel is in the mix, and maybe an unknown D-1 coach with up and coming ability we aren't looking at. I however would like to see Patterson, Johnson, and even Bielema at least looked at. Briles would be a nice fit, but Baylor just built a new stadium, and has upgraded its facilities with the help of RG3's money. Baylor, more than likely will play for in the playoffs this season and if healthy, could win the whole thing. Would you leave a program with all that going on right now?

Wow. Patterson is 54. You think he'd leave a program where he already has a chance to win a title, to come to a place where recruiting is more difficult and he has to start over with a new staff, with a 'head coach in waiting' offensive coordinator looking over his shoulder? And muschamp as DC? Good idea. We could also think about raising Knute Rockne's corpse, with 50 yr old tom Osborne as offensive coordinator and give Bill Belichek a look as DC. wow, if your going to fire a coach that averages 9 wins a year at least set your goals high for a good hire. Patterson could recruit Texas yet. Yes he might consider it. You think OU and Texas are going to be lame ducks for long in the Big 12. TCU will never exceed what they end up with this year. That conference is built for OU and Texas to control, not TCU. Yeah, I think Patterson would leave if its the right fit. Nebraska could be that fit. I don't care if Frost comes back here, just liked the way it sounded! Might as well bring back Turner Gill with Frost......hows that......any better!!!

Mora Jr would be a good hire, left him off list. Realistic hires: IN ORDER: Don't have any right now. I have a gut feeling that someone has been in communication with Georgia and they want Richt gone. This is the front runner in my opinion, whether I like this hire or not. I think he is in line first right now. GUT FEELING. I don't totally dislike Richt, just don't know if he has what it takes to be steadfast and win the big games on a regular basis. Not talking NC's, but Big Ten games that matter in the future. Seems like he pisses down his leg each season against meaningful SEC conference games that he should win.

I tend to agree. I would like to see Frost without Mariota for a season or two before really declaring him the best OC on the market. They have a system, good system but relies on WEst coast speed and climate.

I can see Muschamp going back to Texas as DC. I loved this guy and face it, will pony up the $$$ for him to be there.

Paul Johnson should be on the short list. My list in order of who I think would be right for the job: Paul Johnson-Has won games at a good school, but I think he can even do more at a bigger named school. Gary Patterson- this would be a homerun hire, but he would need the right OC. Frost as coach in waiting type thing is what I am thinking with Muschamp at DC. Jim Tressel-Maybe the best common sense hire. If not for Urban Meyer sitting there in waiting, would still be coaching at the Buckeyes, we all know that. Bronco Mendanhall- Solid program with good ethics. Mark Richt ( this one I have doubts on, but he can recruit legit talent) Jim Harbaugh- Why not at least think about it and interview. Scott Frost- I would like to see him at least come back as an OC first. Maybe down the road could be head coaching material. Has learned from some of the best however- Osborne, Chip Kelly, Parcells (JETS), Walsh (Stanford), and one season under Snyder at KSU. Pretty good list of mentors.

Its time to move forward. 9 wins is nice, but really, 9 wins is not enough to win Division titles let alone conference titles. 9 wins were a major deal years ago when you only played 11 games and a bowl game in a season. Now most teams play 12 games and a bowl game. So 10 wins per season should be the new number. DPE is absolutely the only reason for the improved punt return numbers. You see Lockett at KSU, this could DPE and the future of Big Red nation. Only if you get a new and improved coaching staff, top to bottom. Translates like this : Pelini came in and took talent that Callahan left here to have his best few years. The talent that is here is good to very good. The right coach hire right now I think has alot of tools and talent to really take this program back to where it should be. Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan St, Wisconsin do not have any more talent than we do. I dare to say that Minnesota, Iowa, have less talent while I would consider Wisky and Michigan St even. Even though we beat Iowa today in a very ugly game that really showed how good each coach is on both sides there. And Yes, I will say that between Ferentz and Bo, they have reached their full potential, and its not good enough to win conference titles.

wow!

Be lucky to keep him here unless we start using his ability more (DPE).

Is going to be Bo's last hurrah? At this point, you can't blame Beck for everything, Bo could change the calls. Ferentz, meet Bo. Bo meet Ferentz. You both suck. Identical plays, and similar outcomes each possession.

Richt is a good coach, good recruiter. Is he going to take NU back to the next level of winning at least conference titles is the question. I feel that if Bo is replaced, this could be the most important hire that NU ever makes for a coach. Can we afford to hire another Bo or even worse another Callahan? No way can this happen again or I feel the tradition and the spirit to a point of no return. Big 12 comment is based on losing what was once a great game with OU, even if it was an every two year deal. Now the Big 10 is making attempts at rivalry games with Iowa and Wisky. Nice, but will never carry the same level as what we had. I think that having a true rival makes things more relevant overall. Do I want a switch back to the Big 12, NO. But that conference is still more football relevant overall. Pelini did win the North division in the Big 12 twice. Yes, thats not the Big 10 west, but he did win a division title. At a point when the North division in the Big 12 was way better than what he has played in the Big 10 divisions so far. Not totally against Richt, but don't think he is the answer for this program right now. Patterson would be my choice, but thats a hard sell with a recruiting base in Texas that may not want to play in the Big 10. I will stick to what i said about Richt and Pelini being similar.

Has Richt played the National Title? No Auburn and Alabama have. You really can make a case for Richt and Pelini being the same guy. Georgia is in the weaker of the divisions in the SEC, like the Big Ten west is for Nebraska. Missouri played for the SEC title last year. So Yeah, I am saying that there is not that earth shattering of a difference between Richt and BO. I guess, weve all seen Georgia in the last few years, which team appears to have more talent on the field? Georgia has had the talent. Maybe didn't bring it too the bowl games every year, but overwhelmingly they have the talent. Yes, Richt is solid, but hasn't taken the world by fire yet, and more than likely won't. Could he come to NU and do whats needed to get NU back at least in the mix for a Big 10 title?.............Can he recruit that talent and speed to a cold weather midwest state? Those are scary questions to ask and actually think about the answer. Yes, at one time OU, NU and even CU Buffs got all the talent they needed to compete nationally. They all won titles. The game is now evolved into a warm weather southern game. SEC is ruling the landscape in recruiting and winning. Oregon with all its hype, haven't competed well against tough, rugged teams that play smash mouth defense. Arizona and Arizona ST are competing . Baylor plays in a warmer climate and apparently are getting enough recruits and speed. Who can Nebraska get to bring the traditon back, and play for at least conference titles on a year in and year out basis? I would say one thing: Go back to the Big 12. Imagine playing actual football again against football schools. Texas, TCU, OU, OSU, KSU and Baylor. Wait, maybe we better stay put. I mean think about this: Colorado and Missouri leave and if Nebraska and A/M stay and have this current Big 12 slate of a round robin. We get our rival game with OU back, we have games against TCU and A/M every year!!!!! KSU game back. These games made everyone better!!!!!! Now we have Nwestern, Illinois, Rutgers, Maryland Wisky, Iowa and Mich St. Makes me wonder what could have been and what Bo could have done. He had success against most of those schools other than OU and Texas. He was gaining on those guys as well.

Interesting opinions here on who could or should or wants to be the next HC for NU. Patterson, although is an alum of KSU, knows down deep that job when Bill Snyder leaves is impossible to match. He could come to NU, and yes with his recruiting ties to Texas, could and should be a serious contender. Richt is interesting. He has mega talent at Georgia, speed, speed, and speed. Big Ten conference is a hard one to sell and get speed due to weather in October, November. Honestly, can't win the big one with his core talent at Georgia speaks enough for me. He is Bo Pelini. This is why the Husker nation is somewhat split on moving forward with Bo and without him. You almost can make a case for anyone else in the nation, but then you start looking at records, certain down years, and expectations and see that this is a hard sell for alot of fans right now. Do I believe NU is a Top 25 job yet, Yes. Is it a Top 5 job, no. 15 years ago, it was Top 5 easily. I honestly think that its somewhere in the 10 to 15 range. Could be back in the Top 10 with the right hire, and fast. Big 10 is down right now, but they won't be for long. Michigan gets the right coach, and Penn St gets things rolling again, it could be too late for NU to be relevant for many more years to come. Phio St isn't going anywhere soon, and Michigan St seems solid, with Wisky right there as well. Like I said, if Michigan and Penn St establish themselves again, look out.

The right coach is there, but finding that guy won't be easy, ASK OKLAHOMA. Now Stoops is fading somewhat as well, but at least he still is n't losing game by 40 on to many occasions.

My list of good solid real candidates: Gary Patterson- similiar to Pelini, but adapted to the game on offense this season. This is who Pelini should talk too. Mark Stoops (UK)- Taken a bad UK team and got some wins in a mega tough conference. 2nd choice. Jim Mora JR- Could leave UCLA for a job with the history of NU. Jim Tressel- Had Ohio St a contender year in and year out. This is my first option. Paul Johnson ( Ga Tech)- I like his style of offense. Traditional triple option, mixed with some big plays. Recuits well to a mediocre football school. Took Navy to a bowl game with Naval recruits. Will play FSU for ACC titile in a couple of weeks.

I wouldn't look at Frost until he coaches the Ducks without Mariota. Great players like him make offenses look really good. Ducks have so much team speed that I would like to see what Frost can do with out at least the QB. Florida is looking to make a splash. Mora Jr, Tressel, Briles or Patterson. Maybe Gundy, but with the money available in Stilwater, why would anyone leave that cash cow.