Thoughts from Mike Osborne

[HuskerfaninOkieland]

I snagged this off another board. Hope it's alright

 

Current Affairs

 

If you hate editorials, or if you are a fan of basketball on grass - then you may want to skip reading this email. If not, read ahead with the warning I am not very smart, I just try to observe things:

 

Let me begin this opinion bit by stating that the following in no way reflects the opinions of anyone at the University. They are solely my views. The current AD, and part-time professor, has consistently warned me over the years people will think whatever I convey about the football program is coming from him. That is not the case. He is not a big talker - so what follows is all my own. I have no inside knowledge of what may or may not happen in the next couple weeks, but I have some thoughts about what has gone on the past few years.

 

Like most fans, I am overjoyed that situation has changed, and coach Osborne is now very much involved in the program. You can look at our football situation in baseball terms like we're down 3 runs in the bottom of the 9th. You want your best batter up to bat in that situation. That doesn't guarantee anything, but it gives you your best hope for a positive outcome. I am biased, but I think we have our best batter up to bat. And he appears comfortable in the batters box.

 

After the leadership change was made, people at the athletic department said they felt like they could breath again. The airwaves buzzed around the state and everywhere you went people were celebrating. One of the sports talk stations played the "Ding Dong The Witch Is Dead" song from The Wizard of Oz as they went into and out of breaks. Pretty harsh, but representative of the spirit of the day.

 

It was like the iron curtain had been lifted from Nebraska football and now employees, media, players, coaches, and fans could say what they really thought without fear of retribution from above. Have you ever been in an environment where people in authority fed everyone a lot of baloney and you were expected to smile and shake your head in agreement, and any questioning could lead to your excommunication? That is what the athletic department had become.

 

It may take awhile for employee's nerves to settle. Employees lower on the totem pole have described the situation as a dictatorship. They have said that years ago, no one ever spoke about accountability, integrity, teamwork, and tradition - but all those things were there. Nowadays, there are signs and plaques and speeches everywhere around the building referencing those attributes, but the qualities themselves were not to be found. I think one measure of a person is how they treat those "beneath" them. The key being, if you really think someone is "beneath" you, you already have a problem. Suffice it to say the people in support positions at the athletic department were feeling under foot.

 

Not more than a couple months after coach Solich was fired I was taken to lunch by a high ranking athletic administrator and told in no uncertain terms to "keep things positive" with regard to my remarks about the program.

 

Earlier in the season a radio commentator (and former player) was summoned to the north-end fortress and raked over the coals because he dared state (on air) that the team lacked chemistry. He was certain his job was in jeopardy and one more slip of the tongue would cost him his job. Kevin Raemakers was pulled aside after making a remark during his Nebraska Hall of Fame acceptance speech that was perceived as unsupportive of the regime. His arm was tightly squeezed by a man half his size and was told firmly it was no place for him to state his personal views.

 

The now notorious firing of head football trainer Doak Ostergard was in my view completely related to Doak's natural instinct against smiling and nodding when someone was telling him bold-faced lies. Doak was never one to get animated or belligerent, but he never hesitated to call a skunk a skunk. And he would not just shut up and go away when he thought he was being treated dishonestly.

 

To be fair, Steve Pederson did some great things that will serve Nebraska football well into the future. The facilities he helped create are truly world class. Recruits for years to come will be dazzled and persuaded by the impressive edifices of the Athletic Department. But they will come to be better people because of the heart of the department, and because of the innumerable good people who have dedicated themselves to making Nebraska the special place it truly is. A surprising thing about Pederson's tenure, a fellow Nebraskan, was he did a lot of things we feared an outsider might do.

 

The toughest part of the current situation is the sympathetic plight of the coaches children, especially the boys. I have a bit of a bleeding heart for them because I think I have experienced a taste of what they may be going through. Unlike the coaches and their wives or the players, the kids do not control the environment they enter into every day. The coaches get to work with each other, fellow commiserators and comrades-in-arms so to speak. The wives can choose where they go and who they see. They certainly must find comfort in each others company. Though the players may endure some discomfort amongst their peers around campus, they come to practice everyday with about 100 guys going through the same thing, and they are big intimidating guys who probably find it hard to be too worried about what the skinny kid in the business management class may be thinking.

 

The coaches kids however, must venture behind enemy lines on a daily basis. And make no mistake, they are enemy lines. Most of the kids in their schools are probably fairly well mannered. But that can't mask the sense of "outsider" you feel every where you go. Kids who are sympathetic don't know what to say and don't want to embarrass you. Most kids treat you like you have a contagious disease and keep their distance. You can see the conversations they are having while glancing your way. And then there are the few who think it is their duty to tell you what is too painfully obvious, that things aren't going well for the Huskers. It is difficult when you are at an age where you want to fit in and find your niche with your peers, and there is this palpable force-field around you that either repels people or twists their behavior toward you. I remember being treated with hushed tones, long faces, or being quietly ignored the day after a painful loss and maybe for a full week after a loss to Oklahoma. It confuses you because you can't really grasp why you are being treated like someone in your family died. When peers act so strangely after a loss, you begin to wonder why they are friendly when the team is winning - it can play with your mind if you think too much. Hopefully most of the coaches kids are like me and aren't terribly deep thinkers!

 

I have heard stories of some of the coaches kids going through some really tough times. Can you imagine what it is like to be the coaches kid sitting in the stands and a large portion of the student section is chanting "Fire (YOUR NAME)" clap clap clap, "Fire (YOUR NAME)." I can only imagine the comments that are being made at school. One of the coaches wives contacted me last year about speaking to some of the coaches kids and it didn't work out. I wish it had - I could have told them some of my stories and some of my solutions. I would have told them that it will all pass, and they'll learn who their real friends are and it can make them better people. One thing I've learned is to be thankful for the good and the bad, you learn from both.

 

I remember sitting in the stands and hearing the comments about my dad. The first time I was in 5th grade and I took a friend to a game. We were sitting by two older gentlemen who were long time fans. One turned to the other a said, "I just haven't had any confidence in the team since Osborne took over." It took the fun out of the day. As I grew older I became more than a little agitated with the fickleness of some fans. One of my favorite memories from the early 1990's was when a drunk fan called my mom and dad's home number (they had it listed in the phone book) after the home loss to Washington - eventual National Champs. I answered the phone, "Agghhh ish this Tom Oshborn?", "Yes it is" I said. "Well you don't know a ***** thing bout coachin football, what the h---l was that out there tonight..." etc. etc. After he finished saying his peace, he heard some things come out of "Tom Osborne's" mouth that left him in stunned silence. I also took the opportunity to point out some of his personal flaws in less than polite terms. My sister and her friend were standing nearby and fell over laughing.

 

I have always had a love-hate relationship with Husker hysteria. It is fun when things are going well and everybody's happy. But like Ernie Chambers points out, it has become like a religion to some. I used to jokingly refer to myself as the son of the high priest of Nebraska during my dad's final years, and not because my dad wanted to be considered as such. I thought some fans had lost perspective. But what made it a positive was the way coach Brown, my dad, and some others did an outstanding job of trying to redirect peoples admiration and adoration to the higher power they strove to serve. That is why, unlike some, I don't take offense when an athlete points to the heavens after scoring or doing something great. I like to think they are redirecting peoples affection to where it belongs. I don't necessarily think that athletes mean that God personally allowed them or helped them to score - it is more like they are giving back - pointing to Who really deserves the applause.

 

Personally, that is part of what has been missing for me from the program in recent years, that sense of deeper meaning, the bigger picture, the higher calling. It did not use to be so much about wins and losses or money or the NFL. It was about teaching young men how to be real men. Men of integrity, character, and humility. I think the current players are outstanding kids. And the coaches are doing their very best. I believe some of the decisions that were made to take the program away from what it was about were not made with ill intentions - just mistaken priorities. You can't build a young man's character when the sales pitch is based on "we're going to help you make it to the NFL." All the while knowing you are selling him fools gold. That mode of operation may work for a short time, but like all things built on shifting sand, it will fall under its own weight. If you want to see and hear from the heart of a Husker what I am talking about - listen to Jason Peter's speech to the 1997 Team reunion banquet from a few weeks ago.

 

The team used to be an extension of us - it was like they had come out of the stands and played from us and for us. The youthful excitement at a big play was cheered as much by teammates on the field and on the sideline as by the fans. Silly high fives, spontaneous joyous jumping and always arms around each other as they came off the field into the embraces and pats on the back spilling onto the field from the sideline. And there was no fear of failure, only all-out reckless effort. We were all in it together, from the clerk sitting in a gas station in Sidney listening to Lyell Bremser, to the guy holding the down-and-distance marker on the sideline to Tom Sorley standing at the line, looking across at Reggie Kinlaw. If we were gonna lose, we were gonna go down fighting, and everyone was going to do their part. Many of us could do little more than yell at the top of our lungs and make sure we had on our lucky underwear. Some of us could get close enough to yell encouragement to the players only a few feet away, and a few of us stepped onto the field wearing a red jersey and played for the rest. If some of you are too young or if it has been too long ago to recall the sense of unity we had, simply watch the 1978 Nebraska vs. Oklahoma game with Lyell Bremser's play-by-play and you'll be taken back. We can recapture that spirit and sense of family. We need leadership that is sincere and that can be trusted with our young men to hold true to the traditions of Nebraska football, and not just pay it lip service.

 

A notable irony, coach Osborne, considered NU's greatest leader, has never put Nebraska football first in his life. His faith and his heartfelt responsibility to others to lead by example, is what makes him who he is. In so doing, he has ensured the greatness of Nebraska football. That is the kind of leadership we will have again. It may not translate to instant National Championships or 10 win seasons, but I think it will translate to the rebirth of a sense of all-for-one and one-for-all, which will eventually culminate in another National Championship.

 

 

Terms & Conditions in the Current State of Affairs

 

The Good: Joe Ganz and the offense, and a chance at 2 wins to finish the season. Coaches and players caring about each other in spite of the stress and criticism. And a truly excellent recruiting job by coach Callahan and his staff over the past 4 years. The cupboard is not bare.

 

The Bad: Everyone straining to keep their dignity in a trying situation.

 

The Ugly: A potential for $10 million dollars in buyouts to start with a clean slate.

 

Basketball: You've heard the term "basketball on grass" when the 1990's blackshirts talked about passing teams, in particular Steve Spurrier's Fun and Gun offense. It was not said as praise. Jason Peter, CU coach Bill McCartney, and many other former coaches and players have concurred that as your offense schemes, so goes your defense. The theory being that if your offense is a cerebral finesse construct, then your whole team practices like that. If that is all your defense sees in practice, then your defense becomes soft and passive. An aggressive and physical offense breeds a like defense.

 

Karma: You eventually reap what you sow.

 

Hope: The return of an active fullback. The return of a Nebraska born and bred backbone to the team. The return of The Nebraska Way. An eagerness to see what all the quality athletes in the program will do when coached up in a more aggressive, smash-mouth style of football, Nebraska football. With the right coaching, some insiders believe there is enough talent on hand for NU to be a top 15 team next season. That may be a stretch, be we can Hope.

 

Cause for Concern: The dust is settling in North Stadium. Everything is smooth with coach Osborne in charge. But he won't want to stay forever, and what then? Several people in positions of authority at the University hope he will stay at least 5 years in some official capacity - he is like the wood in the bucket of water. On a farm, one way to keep water splashing out of a pale when you are moving it around in a pickup or trailer is to put a piece of wood in the pale. Coach Osborne has that calming influence.

 

Truth in Advertising: All the mandatory signs displayed around the athletic department that said "Everyone is Accountable" have been taken down, and accountability was sorely missing at the leadership level. No signs will be around next year, but instead administrators, coaches, athletes, and support staff will act accountably and do so cheerfully.

 

Truth in Advertising 2: It is doubtful future recruits will be lured by a sales pitch of a fast track to the NFL. Instead, it is likely they will come for an education and an opportunity to earn a place in the Husker tradition.

 

A confession: Although I had predicted a good season for the Huskers, I had done so to appease the thought police that were keeping an eye out, and that was wrong of me. Although I was hoping otherwise, privately I told several people I feared things were aligned for an unraveling this season. I told Doak Ostergard he had been granted a favor when he was fired last spring. I perceived the situation like a plane on a tarmac destined for a crash, and he had been allowed to deplane. My reasoning: This may sound harsh, but I looked at who was left down there in the leadership - it seemed ripe for collapse.

 

Welcome Home: Most former players didn't feel connected to the program in the last few years. I know of a former starting fullback and defensive end who said they would never let their sons come play at the modern NU, and both of whom who have sons who may very well be talented enough to do so. Phil Bates son plays for Iowa and others have gone elsewhere. One of coach Osborne's first acts as AD was to send out a letter to all former lettermen to inform them that they were officially welcomed back. They would have an opportunity for tickets, sideline passes, and press box passes. Pictures of former Husker greats were put up in the new north stadium complex within a few days. The security desk, which restricted access of everyone, including former All-Americans and former coaches from entering the north stadium complex was shut down. In it's place are cheerful greeters and the doors are unlocked.

 

No Spin Zone: The culture at the Athletic Department is being flipped back to one of honesty and trust, which has to come from the top for it to permeate an organization. Consequently, I think happy days are coming our way once again.

[ohiohusker]

Amen! That was great. Pretty much sums it all up!

[Hunter94]

thankfully, we have the "wood" back in the bucket and have learned a hard lesson about the effect of outsiders who do things for the "wrong" reasons!

[Joe Corn]

thankfully, we have the "wood" back in the bucket and have learned a hard lesson about the effect of outsiders who do things for the "wrong" reasons!

[Joe Corn]

A lilltle quick on the trigger a moment ago, sorry. Thanks to Mike for sharing from a perspective we rarely hear about.

 

Coming from someone who learned what his father was teaching him, this is refreshing!

[REDSTEEL]

Interesting read and by the way he spelled Pail wrong

[MCAT800]

Straight and to the point. Very Nice.

[hskrpwr13]

I bet this sums up how most of NU fans feel. I'd be interested to hear what the Cally/Pederson apologists think about this.

[IlliniHusker]

This is a GREAT read. Comments:

1. Everyone on this board could benefit from reading this. As for me, it was like holding up a mirror to my attitude and thoughts. Some pretty ugly thoughts can sometimes sneak in.

2. I've worked in both environments - the Pud style and TO style. Believe me, it's all the difference in the world.

3. Loved the comments about winning vs teaching the players. Wins will come when the character and fundamentals are taught. Finally,

4. Character is more important than wins. Would you really want a Natl Championship if NU acted like some of the jackass Miami teams? NO THANKS.

[SkerMin8r]

Yes, yes, yes...Thank you Mike...and thank God for men like Dr. Tom.

 

GO BIG RED!!!

[DaveH]

I snagged this off another board. Hope it's alright

 

Current Affairs

 

If you hate editorials, or if you are a fan of basketball on grass -

ugh. I hate that phrase. "Basketball on grass." Almost as much as I hate any other dumb catch phrase.

 

Anyway, can we be sure that Michael Osborne actually wrote this?

[AuroranHusker]

Thanks for sharing Mike Osborne's thoughts...... loved reading it!

 

[huskernumerouno]

I snagged this off another board. Hope it's alright

 

Current Affairs

 

If you hate editorials, or if you are a fan of basketball on grass -

ugh. I hate that phrase. "Basketball on grass." Almost as much as I hate any other dumb catch phrase.

 

Anyway, can we be sure that Michael Osborne actually wrote this?

Can we be sure he didn't?

[ssfranny]

No one who writes with that much thought and emotion could never be "stupid" One of the best posts I have ever read anywhere thanks Mike!

 

Scott

[HUSKER 37]

No one who writes with that much thought and emotion could never be "stupid" One of the best posts I have ever read anywhere thanks Mike!

 

Scott

 

Any chance of Mike Coaching someday?

 

Jason Peter, CU coach Bill McCartney, and many other former coaches and players have concurred that as your offense schemes, so goes your defense. The theory being that if your offense is a cerebral finesse construct, then your whole team practices like that. If that is all your defense sees in practice, then your defense becomes soft and passive. An aggressive and physical offense breeds a like defense.

 

I had a fear of this happening to our defense, but hoped BC was familiar enough with the game to keep practices physical....to keep our Defense dominant. What we've witnessed the last couple years, and now hearing about half-pad practices this year it appears Cally/Coz let our defense suffer in favor of the offense.

 

Overlooking such an obvious problem shows Billy just isn't head coach material. The "Corn Coast offense" sometimes shows promise, but that is only part of his duties. The rest he has either ignored, or has not done to an acceptable level...