Husker Faithful,
I have been thinking about what to write, but I have been struggling to find words or a good explanation for what has become of the Big Red Machine...
Over many hours of discussion, I have come to the following conclusions:
1 - The Search Committee (aka Dr. Tom) needs to build a criteria for the next HC.
Here is mine:
A - Must be a proven winner. Winning breeds more winning, he doesn't need to necessarily be a major school HC, BUT he must be surrounded by winning, whether it be a coordinator from Florida or a HC from UNI, he must come from a culture of winning.
B - Young, enthusiastic and family oriented
C - Must understand running and putting in place a dynamic offense, if Mizzou and Tech can win, imagine what a great defense can do to bolster there chances of winning week in and week out.
D - MUST be able to effectively recruit in the South, Florida and/or Cali
2 - The Search Committee should pursue and interview the candidates that fall into these categories under the radar. After meeting with them, if they like them, put them on the short list
3 - After all the "under the radar" candidates are weeded out, then begin talking to obvious replacements and weed them out.
4 - Meet the Final 4 in Memphis or some random town and have final interviews and contract talks, find out there specific staff wants and what recruits they could bring with them from the school they are leaving.
5 - MAKE THE HIRE!
My list of "under the radar" guys would include:
Farley from UNI
Peterson from Boise State
Strong from Florida
Muschamp from Auburn
Mullen from Florida
My front runner is Strong for the following reasons:
1 - Has access to Florida recruits
2 - Has access to Urban Meyer's dynamic offense and could bring a position coach or two with him
3 - Young, full of energy, coaches one of the fastest, most aggressive D's in the country
4 - WINNER!!! Understands winning and what it takes to win consistently
5 - Has access to Southern, black families (can't hide from this...recruits said "no thanks" to Frankie, Dr. Tom was on another level!! He shows you have to be able to get in good with these recruits)
I also love the potential of Peterson...Boise fans have said he ran the show even when Hawkins was there! Plus he POUNDS THE ROCK!!!! He has access to Cali athletes and great relationships with high school coaches up in no-man's land
I will admit, I don't have all the answers or time to research every "under the radar" candidate, but I bring up these points because I fear we will follow the past mistakes that OU and UT committed by continually rewarding the "old regime" for staying loyal. Put me down for a NO on Turner Gill...he needs to prove himself on the miniscule stage that is Buffalo before he is even considered for the Nebraska job...ALSO, we need to be cautious with BO! I say this because I don't think he has strong enough relationships at his former jobs to bring in a fully qualified staff that understands BO completely, could turn into a revolving door at the coordinator and position coaching spots....
Everyone has their opinion, I just hope the Husker Nation proceeds slowly and thinks outside the box!!!
