Guy Chamberlin

I think an even larger group considers your entire premise flawed. Subtract the coaches who are totally unavailable and the coaches whose only recommendation is sentimental, and you have maybe a couple guys no better than Mike Riley. The future is always uncertain. Hope is free. Some pretty smart people consider the Riley hire a coup. Husker Nation can be united simply by keeping an open mind. What's the risk in that?

We need good down linemen. Offense and defense. But especially offense. We used to have a reputation and a pipeline for offensive linemen. It hasn't been lost forever. It just hasn't been maintained. An upgrade on the offensive line would make everyone look brilliant.

so you were ok with Bo's 9 wins, but anything less than 11 and a championship is reason for termination? you f'in up every thread with nonsense is starting to get old - please at least tell me you're trolling and not serious with most of this 9~10 wins wasn't good enough for Bo. Are we changing the standards now? Bo had to rebuild this program as a first time head coach. The new guy doesn't have to rebuild, he has to change some things and has about 15years head coaching experience. The schedule is even more beneficial next year than it was this. the talent is there. If this guy is really as elite as Shawn makes him out to be, then no, I'm not kidding. 11 wins should be his basement. For seven seasons I refused to assign Bo Pelini a magic number to guage his success. For me it was an eye test and a gut test. I'm gonna stick with that system for Mike Riley. The basement next season is improvement. I'll decide it when I see it. Please join me.

If I may take the Husker Nation Divided question to slightly different territory. I live in California. My brother lives in Lincoln. Not only does my brother think Bo Pelini should not have been fired, he thinks Bo represented everything good about college football (players love him, graduation rate, clean program.) I was relieved by Pelini's dismissal without even knowing his replacement. My brother was appalled by this. He sees a divide between In-State Huskers and Out-State Huskers. His friends who moved away disliked Bo for two or more seasons, considered him a black eye to Nebraska. My brother's friends in Nebraska were far more apt to defend Bo. My brother contends that EVERYONE he talked to in Lincoln thought the firing was a huge mistake, hates Eichorst (Perlman puppet), and thinks the team is doomed to another Callahnesque era. He claims Lincoln's high school football coaches are considering not funnelling players to UNL, they're so disgusted. He says every article in the Lincoln Journal was critical of the firing, every conversation with strangers either sad or angry. My brother exaggerates like a billion times more than I do, but I'm also well-aware that Internet bulletin-boards don't represent the silent majority. Do in-state Nebraskans tend to circle the wagons and defend Bo Pelini against perceived outsiders more? And do your casual conversations with real people match up with HuskerBoard trends? Do out-of-state Nebraskan take their cues from national media sources, missing out on the local scuttlebutt? Is one perception more valuable than the other? Is this post pellalucid or willful obfuscation? For what it's worth, my brother has really warmed up to Mike Riley in the past 72 hours.

I'm going through the same thing with my San Francisco 49ers at the moment. So many different things seem flawed and broken. An entire culture needs to change. Or maybe we just need a better offensive line. Seriously. Sometimes you're just a couple players away from a world of difference.

Please tell me more about Obama's secret ring, and how this undeniable fact lends credence to your theory.

Maybe we'll learn the truth about the search later. Maybe never. But the fact that the vacancy was filled quickly, took everyone by surprise, and received good to glowing reviews by college football insiders suggests serious due diligence on Eichorst's part. I'm guessing many of the "splash hires" weren't even on the board because back channels had already confirmed there was no interest in the job. Patience, arm-twisting, salary negotiation would have made no difference. Scott Frost would only have been a spash hire in Nebraska, and that alone suggests he wasn't the best candidate, just a sentimental one. If a splash hire enjoyed two or three good seasons and moved elsewhere, as they often do, he may not have been the best choice, either. It's Monday. If we didn't have a coach today, things would start getting awkward. I'm glad we have a coach who wants to be here. The more I learn about Mike Riley, the better he sounds. It's Morning in America, people.

Bo only won 4 games against teams ranked in the top 25 at the END of the season. The highest was eventual #11 Michigan state in 2011.

He had me at "water balloon fights."

That struck me as odd, too. You'd think he'd have a pretty full Rolodex by now. Yeah...I think he has been pretty isolated...but it still something that kind of bugs me a bit...1. Really well respected but might not know a lot of guys 2. Might be bringing most/all of his old staff 3. Offense is a hodgepodge/multiple Not the end of the world but just things that kind of made me go "hmmmm" He's been here a single day folks. Give him some time....he's got plenty of it. Thats just it...he doesn't have plenty of time. He is starting recruiting today, he said...time is up. Exactly. He doesn't have plenty of time, he needs to get to work yesterday. I,agree with you about all of your concerns. I was expecting him to win the press conference, but I wasn't impressed. I said last night that this hire seemed very callahanesque, after hearing this press conference and everything about this guy, he seems more Doc Sadler to me. Given the negativity you have had over this hire in general, your comments are not surprising. It's funny that our previous staff got killed for having a Hodge podge offense with no identity, yet this guy gets a pass. If he brings the majority of his staff from OSU, if his record is any indication of their ability, then we shouldn't expect much better than what we've had the past 15 years. I think that those are real concerns. We didn't have a hodge podge offense. We had a perfectly good offense, very similar to what the Top 20 teams use, limited by offensive lines and quarterbacks who were only good enough to win nine games a season. Also, that Bottom 50 defense made it really hard for an offense to be patient. Even a modest upgrade in quarterback play -- a Riley strongsuit -- could make a significant difference. Not sure how a defense could play worse than Wisconsin, so I'm going to put that in the upgrade column, too.

We have one. His name is Mike Riley We also have the quarterback Mike Riley really wanted to coach at OSU. His name is Johnny Stanton.

Let me say that I agree about Warren and Brown...and maybe even Orgeron. However this insistence with Frost at OC has got to end. Yes, he was a great player for us. Yes he is from Nebraska. But let's give the guy a few years with players he has developed himself before we decide he's an excellent coordinator. Let's not forget that Oregon's former offensive coordinator is now the head coach...so how much does Frost really have to do with the offense or the play calling? I'm not sure. I do know that it was clear that Solich wasn't primarily responsible for the Husker offense, and this was evident once Osborne left. And by the way....there is nothing to indicate Frost would leave to make a lateral move just because he's from Nebraska. Solich was never an offensive coordinator. He was the running backs coach for years before being named as assistant head coach. Solich spent much of his Nebraska career in the press box, calling down offensive plays to Tom Osborne.

Also, given how little we knew about Mike Riley, I'm sure he could assemble an excellent staff of extremely qualified coaches without registering a single "big name" that we think we need. And given the offense Riley has generated at Oregon State with far less material (and mentorship), he's already way ahead of Scott Frost.

I'm among most folks here who knew nothing of Mike Riley until 26 hours ago. But a little due diligence shows the man has a HUGE fanbase within the NFL and NCAA coaching community. Experienced coaches who would be willing to work for him + a head coach not threatened by experienced coaches = a much improved staff. I'd be inclined to clean house. Just grab a couple respected former Husker players as assistants for continuity. Fine with Ron Brown staying. Not upset if he leaves, maybe taking a step up elsewhere.

And now you know............The Rest of the Story. Paul Harvey. Good day.

Aaron Taylor ‏@outland1997 Gut feeling that Mike Riley will be the Tim Miles for our football program. Congrats coach and welcome to the program. Tom Lemming ‏@LemmingReport Only time will tell but my guess is Mike Riley will bring Nebraska back to national prominence. Damon Benning ‏@damonbenning Amongst his peers, Mike Riley finished 2nd in an ESPN poll behind Cutcliffe as the most underrated coach in the country. Tommie Frazier ‏@TouchdownTommie Good Hire by NU today. George Schroeder @GeorgeSchroeder · Just landed to news of Mike Riley to Nebraska. Truly stunning — but that is a GREAT hire. Scott Shanle ‏@scottshanle After hearing from many people who know Mike Riley personally I am optimistic about the future of @Huskers football. Sean Callahan ‏@Sean_Callahan Another interesting tidbit about Mike Riley is he opened all practices at Oregon State to media and fans. Sean Callahan ‏@Sean_Callahan Also the fact USC courted him in 2011, and Alabama offered him their job in 2002 intrigues me on what drew him to make this move now? Dan Hoppen ‏@danhoppen Mike Riley was heavily rumored to replace Pete Carroll at USC in 2010, Dennis Franchione at Alabama in 2002. He must like NU’s prospects. Mike Farrell ‏@rivalsmike I may be in the minority here but I like the Riley hire for #Huskers better than the McElwain hire for #Gators. Thoughts? Zach Hannon ‏@_HannonZach72 I stand behind you @Coach_Riley ! I love Coach Bo and all my coaches, now it's a new era. I'm a husker through and through. #GBR Jay Glazer ‏@JayGlazer "@CFBONFOX: NEWS: #Nebraska hires Oregon State's Mike Riley to replace Bo Pelini>>Good for Riley, one of the nicest guys I ever met in NFL Mark McMillian ‏@MarkMcMillian29 If Mike Riley offered my son or any kid I coach I would send them in a heartbeat this man is all about the kids & families #GBR #Nebraska Rich Kaipust ‏@RKaipustOWH I liked this poll back in September because it was a vote of coaching peers -- and Mike Riley scored high on it http://es.pn/1Dc1ACC Brian Christopherson ‏@HuskerExtraBC Remember this when viewing Riley's record at OSU. MT @Hlas Oregon State had 28 straight losing football seasons, from '71 thru '98. Jay Foreman ‏@foreman5655 A few things that will be different:player development and pro off!! That alone I'm cool with! Chips in!#HuskerNation Greg Sharpe ‏@SharpeGreg Excited to meet and work with @Coach_Riley can't wait to begin the next chapter of Husker Football. GBR! Brock Huard ‏@BrockESPN No one in CFB I'd trust more with my son in his program than new NEB Coach Mike Riley. Judge this hire after you see the staff he assembles John Bishop ‏@JohnBishop71 #Huskers could double Riley's OSU salary and still be on budget with last year. Look for assistant salary pool to be strong. B. Reilly ‏@brandonreilly01 Idk why everyone's being so negative, give the guy a chance. I mean he has a solid last name that should count for something. Let's get it! Jon Nyatawa ‏@JonNyatawa “He has done more with less at Oregon St than almost any coach I know" -- former NU AD Bill Byrne Jeremy Crabtree ‏@jeremycrabtree #Pac12 assistant on Mike Riley: “Our recruiting jobs just got a lot easier. He was the best talent evaluator in the conference by far.” danny woodhead ✔ ‪@danny__woodhead Follow Mike Riley was my coach at the hula bowl and thought he was a great guy ‪#realexcitedaboutthehire 10:20 AM - 4 Dec 2014 Jordan Westerkamp ‪@JordanWesty1 Follow Looking forward to this new experience with ‪@Coach_Riley GBR. 10:37 AM - 4 Dec 2014 Paul Myerberg ✔ ‪@PaulMyerberg Follow Mike Riley is the most optimistic, pleasant, gracious, accommodating HC in CFB. They'll absolutely love him in Nebraska. Michael Rose-Ivey ‪@Rose_IveyNB15 Follow Got a coach finally. Let's get to work. If this is our guy to get us over that hump then I'm all for it! Time to start a new chapter !! Joel Klatt ✔ ‪@joelklatt Follow I'm a huge fan of Mike Riley...yes, he is a wonderful person...he is also a GREAT football coach 10:25 AM - 4 Dec 2014 Sam Ponder ✔ ‪@sam_ponder Follow LOVE that hire for Nebraska. Handful of coaches I'd want my kid to play for/learn from... Mike Riley's top 5 for sure. 9:46 AM - 4 Dec 2014 Doug Gottlieb ✔ ‪@GottliebShow Follow If you don't like Mike Riley, that is a you problem. Congrats ‪#Nebraska between Riley&Tim Miles 2of the most liked/respected in their sports Prince Amukamara ✔ ‪@PrinceAmukamara Follow Welcome to the Husker family Coach Mike Riley! Go Big Red! Jay Moore ‪@jaymoore44 Follow Now I'm really liking this hire ‪#Huskers ‪#GBR 10:44 AM - 4 Dec 2014 Kirk Herbstreit ✔ ‪@KirkHerbstreit Follow If it's done...great hire by ‪@Huskers getting Mike Riley from Oregon State!! Dennis Dodd ✔ ‪@dennisdoddcbs Follow MIke Riley was always squeezing blood out of a tomato in Corvallis. More infrastructure at Neb. Love the hire. 9:54 AM - 4 Dec 2014 Mack Brown ✔ ‪@ESPN_CoachMack Follow Mike Riley is a great hire @ Neb. Super fit for both. Good job Huskers Rivals.com national recruiting director Mike Farrell tweeted that the hiring is a "home run." "I don't think Huskers fans realize what a well-respected game coach Riley is and how hard it is to win in Corvallis," Farrell wrote.

The whole point of jumping into the unknown is that the status quo is no longer acceptible. I demand some excitement and change next season. Haven't pencilled in our won/loss record quite yet. Happy to wait that out. Even then, I'd like to see a four year sample of work before getting my panties in a bunch.

Given the uniform support for Mike Riley from across the college football community, this would make us look like the stupidest rubes on Earth.

Frank Solich was fired for off-field issues. Bill Callahan was fired for on-field issues. Bo Pelini was fired for a little bit of both. Nebraska only has a pattern of wanting a better football team.

I know how some Nebraska fans hate the national media and think all these guys who've spent their lives in college football don't know anything, but the response from people inside the college football community -- who know how the pieces actually fit together -- has been uniformly positive. That means the same people who you think love dissing Nebraska, given the platform to mock a weak hire and irrational Husker expectations, agree this was a bold move and the right man. Then again, if everything you need to know is in the win/loss column, I'm sure Bo Pelini will be plucked up by a major conference program any day now.

People who wanted Johnny Stanton to start instead of Tommy Armstrong should be happy.

And in defense of Sock......... .....absolutely NOBODY had so much as a WHISPER of Mike Riley before this morning. We might have to consider the possibility that Eichorst was a cool assassin after all.

Rivals.com national recruiting director Mike Farrell tweeted that the hiring is a "home run." "I don't think Huskers fans realize what a well-respected game coach Riley is and how hard it is to win in Corvallis," Farrell wrote.

Rivals.com national recruiting director Mike Farrell tweeted that the hiring is a "home run." "I don't think Huskers fans realize what a well-respected game coach Riley is and how hard it is to win in Corvallis," Farrell wrote.

I'm beginning to think that HuskerBoard.com does not reflect society at large. We are more entertaining but far less grounded.