cheekygeek

The hiring story is not over yet. It is possible that, although he has not made lateral moves before now, Scott Frost may agree to come and be OC/Asst. Head Coach under a 61 year old who is signing his last big paycheck before retirement. That gives time to evaluate SF rather than just handing him the reigns, and even SF may see that as a win-win. Word is that Riley is bringing his DC, but no word on OC yet.

It may be worth noting that two of Oregon State's NFLers are QBs. Who was the last Nebraska QB to be on an NFL staff in October? Also, both schools have two RBs in the NFL: Nebraska has Rex Burkhead and Roy Helu Jr. Oregon State has Steven Jackson and Jaquizz Rogers. Finally, look at the College Football Revenue between the two schools and tell me who is getting more "bang for the buck". Nebraska: Expenses 18,649.947 (well, that may go up with Pelini's payout) vs Revenue $55,063,437 (a profit of $36M) Oregon St.: Expenses 11,903,213 vs Revenue $20,666,946 (a profit of less than $9M)

Reserving judgment, but certainly not a blow you away hire and I doubt that a lot of potential recruits are saying "wow" either. I think what this hire does say is a lot more about the real reason SE got rid of Pelini.

HC: Alabama offensive coordinator, Lane Kiffin? Perhaps he's matured and learned a bit in his travels. Might his dad, Monte Kiffin want to return to the Nebraska DC job to work with his son? The problem is that Alabama is going to be playing yet for weeks (likely). I'm not clear on how soon one can poach and announce another coach in that situation.

No quick denials out of Mullen or Miss. St. either. Strangely silent. (As in Silent Auction, maybe?)

Outgoing Bo Pelini gets a poem in today's Bellevue Leader. It is quite good. http://www.lostlettermen.com/article/nebraska-football-bo-pelini-gets-farewell-poem-in-bellevue-leader-photo

"Talked to Bret Bielema and he said he's not going to Nebraska and that he's all Hog." His smoking hot wife confirms that. See also: Diagram of how hog Bielema is.

I would suggest that the fact that a coach is your personal friend might color your evaluation process a little bit. I think most Nebraskans would not be as in favor of SE making himself a one-man selection committee if they knew that he was simply going to go with a buddy - particularly an opportunistic one that likes to jump ships.

Funny that Dan Mullen is trending now, because doing some research he is the name that floated like cream to the top of what I was hoping for. Some points: A move for the family from Starkville to Lincoln is a huge upgrade. You can't say that about some places. He was the 12th highest paid coach in the SEC this past year. Silence from Mississippi State about a raise or extension, which is odd when everybody else is scrambling to tie up their coaches from prospective poachers. His first year at Mississippi State, his recruiting class was ranked #19 by Scout.com. That year, against the toughest schedule in the country, he went a respectable 5-7 He's an Urban Meyer disciple. He's a QB development guru, having worked with some good ones. Can you imagine a Nebraska team with an NFL-worthy QB? They might come to Lincoln if he's the Head Coach. I have the feeling he may bring a chunk of his Coordinators and Assistants with him. (Like I said, Starkville to Lincoln is a huge upgrade). I think he would be a good 'un.