Redout

Any news to report on about recruiting? redout

It's hard to say, but anytime a new coach comes in that's all you here are the great things. Time will tell. But you gotta think if this guy wasn't good, he wouldn't be coming to Nebraska. One guy that I heard isn't coming is South Carolina running backs coach Dave Roberts. On the news "a source" says he's staying with Lou Holtz. redout

It's kind of tough to bash Blake for the OU crap. He was at the end of all that controversy with Ou and Switzer. He had crap to work with. Although it is a curious pick. The Lincoln paper ran a great article on the coaching situation. Lemmings from rivals said two of the five best recruiters in the nation are interviewing now. Perman, UNL chancellor, said the program was gettin' stale and I see his point. NU just couldn't get those big name recruits in here. redout

Give it up!!!! redout

Does this really matter?? You have to wonder abou the reason why?? Good recruiter? What does this say about Brown. Was he really bad at his job or just couldn't seem to get the best guys to NU? "Callahan has started to put together his staff, and called in Wisconsin Defensive Coordinator Kevin Cosgrove for an interview on Monday." Monday???? Let's get things moving Callahan. This guy is about 48 and has known Callahan since his days in college, I think they roomed together. redout

I think Callahan is the best candidate Pederson interviewed. It only took so long because he was let go later. He has said several times he wanted to return to the college game. Salute Coach Callahan. Welcome aboard redout

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_np=0&u_pg...38&u_sid=971112

That website on the west coast offense is extremely detailed. Makes you wonder how difficult it will be for the guys to learn. Not saying there stupid, but having to learn another system again. How Could this effect the Huskers? redout

Trev Alberts chimes in: By Trev Alberts Special to ESPN.com The ideal situation for the Nebraska football program would have been to fire Frank Solich and then "win the press conference" by having a replacement in there just a few days later. Everyone in the Husker family would have been ecstatic with that, but we all know things did not work out that way. Once that scenario failed to play out the focus for athletic director Steve Pederson became getting the best coach out there, and all of the candidates who interviewed were good football coaches. That includes new coach Bill Callahan, whose NFL experience and college background bring some additional credibility to the Cornhusker program. Bill Callahan won't face the same lockerroom obstacles at Nebraska as he did in Oakland. Callahan is less than a year removed from taking the Oakland Raiders to the Super Bowl and knows what it takes to be successful at the highest level. And don't put too much stock in that 4-12 record this year in Oakland because there are far bigger issues at play in the NFL than someone outside the lockerroom can fathom. And don't put much stock in the player unrest that helped get Callahan get fired. When the average salary on the team is higher than the coach's salary the leader loses a lot of his authority, and when he doesn't have the power to make personnel decisions the coach carries even less weight with the players. Neither will be an issue in Lincoln. Taking all that into account, how ironic is it that Callahan could take the Raiders to the big game last season yet end up making more money at Nebraska? College football has changed a lot over the last few years, and when things like that happen it's easy to see why guys like Pete Carroll, Nick Saban and Al Groh have already come back to college. But Callahan is not just a pro coach trying something new, he is a coach whose roots are in college. He coached at Illinois and Wisconsin, among others, during a college career that lasted from 1980-94. Callahan's boss at Wisconsin, Barry Alvarez, has raved about Callahan's ability to recruit, which is mandatory in this job if Callahan hopes to bring in the best players outside the state. The reality is that every high school kid dreams of playing in the NFL one day whether he has a realistic shot or not, and Callahan can look every recruit in the eye and tell him he knows what it takes to be a success at the next level. He has coached players like Jerry Rice, Tim Brown and Rich Gannon and knows how they got to the top of the heap. Of course, there are plenty of other things in the larger picture that helped Callahan land the job. Near the top of the list is his understanding of the passing game and the ability to take the Nebraska offense into the 21st century, which will be another recruiting advantage. The Cornhuskers were never going to get the kind of athletes they needed -- especially at quarterback -- to compete in today's game running an offense that does not let the skill players shine. And don't discount the fact that Callahan wanted this job and this challenge. He has been called a traditionalist and that's a good thing, because anyone who takes over this program must have a grasp of the Nebraska tradition. Interim coach Bo Pelini certainly did a terrific job with the defense over the course of the season, but if there was one overriding complaint about him it was that he did not understand the lore of Nebraska football. Nebraska fans, administrators, coaches and players take everything about their program very seriously, and because of Callahan's experience under Alvarez in Madison he can relate to that kind of feeling about a football team. Some in the Nebraska family might say "Well, they just took the first guy who would say yes." I ask those people, aren't you glad it was Bill Callahan, someone who has been to the top of the NFL and worked with some of the best coaches at the college level? Remember, Bob Stoops was not the first choice at Oklahoma and Jim Tressel was not at the top of Ohio State's list when those jobs came open. Does Callahan face have challenges? Of course. With his pedigree there is enough credibility to face them head on, but he little time to get comfortable. This year's recruiting class is not yet lost and there are still great players to be had, so it will be interesting to see what kind of impact his presence will have. The opportunity to walk into the home of the best available high school quarterback and tell him you have a spot for him in the West Coast offense -- with no competition -- is a huge one and Callahan needs to take immediate advantage. Nebraska fans are historically impatient and do not settle for mediocrity, and the connection between football and the identity of the entire state is what makes them special. They are also the most knowledgeable fans in college football and they know the difference between good losses and bad. The Husker fans understand what effort and preparation mean and can swallow a two or three-point loss if they know their team played the best game possible. What they cannot abide is a 38-7 home loss to Kansas State in which the team is manhandled. Do those fans expect Callahan him to win the national championship in the coming year? Probably not, but there will be high expectations for the ensuing seasons. One of the issues that hindered the search is that the university did not do a very good job of articulating why Frank Solich was fired in the first place. It wasn't because he won "only" nine games. There were other issues within the program that helped Steve Peterson make that decision, and Pederson was obviously able to convince Callahan that Solich's dismissal was not about some magic number of wins he failed to reach. Steve Pederson will realize in the end that he could have done some things differently. Bill Callahan won't help him win the press conference at this late date but, all things considered, getting a coach one year removed from the biggest game in football is a pretty good deal. Trev Alberts is a college football analyst for ESPN and a regular contributor to ESPN.com during the season

ESPN confirms: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=1703364 OMAHA, Neb. -- Former Oakland Raiders' coach Bill Callahan accepted the Nebraska football job Thursday after interviewing with the school, ESPN.com's John Clayton reported. Callahan's agent, Gary O'Hagan, said the coach told him earlier Thursday that he likes Lincoln and was interested in the job. Callahan met with Nebraska athletic director Steve Pederson in the afternoon. Callahan told the Lincoln Journal Star that he planned to be in town for the day. Nebraska associate athletic director Mark Boehm said earlier Thursday the search for a new Nebraska football coach would be over soon. Boehm filled in for Pederson at the Nebraska Special Olympics Breakfast of Champions on Thursday in Omaha. He said Pederson missed the event because his interview with Callahan was not completed Wednesday night. "I tell you this, this will come to a close shortly," Boehm told The Associated Press. Pederson has acknowledged interviewing Arkansas coach Houston Nutt and Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer. Zimmer turned down an offer from Nebraska on Monday to remain in the pros, Dallas coach Bill Parcells said. Last week, Nutt rejected Nebraska's $2 million offer. Pederson also expressed interest in Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Al Saunders, but Saunders wanted to continue his career in the NFL and withdrew from consideration. Callahan's flight was late getting to Lincoln on Wednesday, which required the interview be continued Thursday, Boehm said. Callahan's meeting with Nebraska officials comes only a week after he was fired by the Raiders following a 4-12 season. The Huskers have been looking for a coach since Frank Solich was fired Nov. 29 -- a day after leading the Huskers to a 9-3 regular season. Callahan, who led the Raiders to the Super Bowl two years ago, was fired by Oakland shortly after quarterback Rich Gannon criticized Callahan and offensive coordinator Marc Trestman for a bad offensive system. Callahan would be a perfect fit for Nebraska, O'Hagan, said Tuesday night. Interviews reportedly were held Wednesday with interim Nebraska coach and defensive coordinator Bo Pelini, quarterbacks coach Turner Gill, and other candidates.

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_np=0&u_pg...38&u_sid=969160 Callahan will lead us back to the promise land redout

Recruiting is so tricky. You honestly cannot count a recruit until you have those papers signed on or after Feb. 5th. Last year Nebraska lost a 4 star LB to Oregan two days before signing day. If Callahan comes here, he could for any reason hook a few recruits that before this day had absolutley no contact with NU at all. This "game" called recruiting is slippery to get a hold of. Because of those new coaches last year, NU got three quick recruits who had no previous contact. It can happen redout

This type of thing does not strictly happen at Nebraska, but at the major programs. You wish it didn't. Omaha World Herald Published Friday January 9, 2004 Ex-NU recruit harassed after changing his mind THE ASSOCIATED PRESS RELATED STORIES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A Papillion-La Vista football player who changed his verbal commitment from Nebraska to Kansas State this week discovered two mysteriously flat tires on his car, which was parked outside his home. Quarterback Allan Evridge's family also has received nasty letters and phone calls since he pledged to Kansas State on Monday, his father, James Evridge, said Thursday. James Evridge said there have been no threats, but he found the flat tires to be suspicious. The tires were punctured, not slashed, on Wednesday, he said. "If it happens again, then we start to get a little concerned," he said. "Then somebody is going beyond just expressing frustration." James Evridge said he didn't report the incident to police, but he did speak with Papillion principal James Glover about improving surveillance of the school parking lot. James Evridge said the situation has been particularly stressful on his wife, Lori. "We've had some people swear at Lori and hang up the phone," James Evridge said. "They didn't have the intestinal fortitude to talk to us."

This article is fairly new. It's really hard to paraphrase but worth reading. It really appears Callahan is ready to take the position if he's offered. Remember the thing that is different about him is he has no where to return to. All the other candidates had jobs all ready. Tom Lemmings and his agent are pretty convincing candidates. Callahan even cancelled his flight to leave today, and his wife checked out Pius X High School in town for their kids. According to the article, Pelini has an offer from Oklahoma. huh http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_np=0&u_pg...38&u_sid=968650 redout

Pelini answered when asked about his interview "It went OK," Pelini said of his interviews. When Omaha TV station KETVasked the fiery 36-year-old defensive coordinator whether he had an interview with Pederson, Pelini replied, "I guess you could call it that." This is possible because Pederson knows all about him all ready or Pederson just wanted to extend him an interview to shut him up. redout

On Big Red Wrap up last night the rivals Husker recruiting guru said Nebraska will lose four by the time signing day. Most likey D.T.(whose almost gone now), Keenan, Seth Olsen and another. They all have taken recent visits to big schools. redout

Acoording to the news (Channel 8) all three candidates were interviewed today. Right before presenting their sports, the lights to Memorial Stadium were turned on. Apparently Pederson and Calllahan were touring the stadium at that moment. The sports director had spoken with Callahan's agent and apparently Callahan is very excited about the opportunity to coach at NU. A decision could come as early as Thursday, according to channel 8. Also, "a Division 1 coach", according to the OWH says California's Tedford has been contact. But this could easily be one of those public naming's so to speak. What I mean is this is done with the intention of merely raising Tedford's salary and no intention to interview at NU. Someone Tedford knows, purposely puts Tedfords name in the public and then Cal will give him an extra couple bucks to keep him there. Or maybe not, depending on how you look at things. OWH says: "Around the same time that another candidate was saying no to Nebraska on Tuesday, two names from the Bay Area surfaced in the Husker coaching search. Former Oakland Raiders Coach Bill Callahan is expected to interview in Lincoln today, and California Coach Jeff Tedford has been contacted by Nebraska Athletic Director Steve Pederson." Also on Gill and Pelini: "Bo Pelini, the Huskers' interim coach, will interview for the job this morning, a person close to him said. Pelini flew back to Lincoln Tuesday night from the annual coaches convention in Orlando, Fla. NU Quarterbacks Coach Turner Gill also is expected to interview today or Thursday. Gill was in Lincoln Tuesday but declined an interview request." Redout

True dat, Big 12 sucks. 'skers won though and Texas Tech. Who lost??? redout

I still think that after everything is set, new coach in place, and Pederson sits down and calms everyone they'll all open their checkbooks, just like they always do. Even if Melissa Lincoln was named people would donate. Some people are shallow and need to feel wanted, especially people with a lot of money. They want to be invited to all those nice banquets and have newspapers come to them for quotes when times, like this, get rough. redout

Here's what Nutt said according to the OWH: Speculation was rampant Friday as a private plane from NU waited at an Arkansas airport as Nutt pondered his future. Nutt confirmed Saturday that there had been no offer on the table. "He didn't actually ever offer me the job, but I'm protecting him a little bit too," Nutt said. "Things would have gotten very difficult if I had gotten on that plane." redout

I think everyone's got a point. He did lie, but does it really matter. I thought he was a little naive in thinking that nobody would question him about waiting for a decision. What did he think we were all going to sit by silently and be good little boys and girls. He should just have said at the conference he wouldn't start interviewing until after the bowl game. redout

He says he has never offered the position, yet all these reports are out there. The truth will never come out because all AD's and coaches aregoing to stick together because its the buisness. It's get hard sometimes to think he's a horrible person. You have got to admit, he has a proven track record of turning programs around. Pelini and Gill are going to get a shot, I guess thats all we can hope for. redout

Arkansas Schedules Announcement on Coach Email this story Printer friendly format Top Stories Arkansas Schedules Announcement on Coach Clemson Upsets Tennessee in Peach Bowl Krenzel Leads Ohio State to Fiesta Win AP Top Sports News At 10:38 a.m. EST European Bobsled Championships Moved By DOUGLAS PILS AP Sports Writer January 3, 2004, 10:38 AM EST LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- The wait is over. Arkansas will learn if coach Houston Nutt accepted a nearly $2 million offer from Nebraska or decided to stay in his home state. Arkansas scheduled a news conference for Saturday to announce Nutt's decision. As of Friday night, Arkansas athletic director Frank Broyles said negotiations were still going on. "We're just waiting for an answer," he told The Associated Press. Nebraska sports information director Chris Anderson said, "I won't have an announcement until there's one to make."

I believe they have got to give a couple of those new NFL fires a try. Then quickly to Pelini. Pederson has said he wants a hire by Sunday McKeever from LJS poses this: "Does Utah’s Urban Meyer become the next to await your call so he can negotiate a better deal for himself? Do you go back to the NFL ranks for your man? Or do you get out while the getting’s still good, end the public-relations nightmare and promote (or is it rehire?) Bo Pelini to give that $40 million athletic facilities project a much-needed kick in the pants?" A kick in the balls is an understatment. redout

Boosters are starting to get pissed. That's not good. They pay the rent. No rent. No house. By now, some Nebraska football boosters say they're tired of watching. "I can't believe this," said Dan Hergert, owner of Hergert Oil and a Husker Athletic Fund executive committee member. This is the biggest botch job I've ever seen." "It's too soon to say this has been a failure," the Omaha lawyer said. "But it's reasonable to worry that this has not gone well, and has been mishandled." The athletic director can no longer count on the booster support he received even after firing Solich two days after Thanksgiving, they said. "He has lost some people in the past month," said Kratz, a longtime Touchdown Club and executive committee member. "I think boosters are questioning him right now. I still have confidence in Steve Pederson, but I will say I'm disappointed." "Clearly Pederson understands that if his major decisions -- like picking a football coach -- are flops, it's going to have some professional consequences,"Knowles said. Said Hergert: "I hope he comes up with somebody good. If he doesn't, it's his job on the line." But as we all know winning also heals everything