Staff Changes: As for staff changes, I am not sure I'd make hiring/firing changes really. Yes, we saw many disappointments early on in the defense and some very disappointing playcalling about a dozen or so times this year at critical times. But, we are becoming unpredictable and that is good, sometimes. We are not finding a good rhythm on offense but I believe the biggest contributor to this is inconsistent QB play. If we get a solid, minimum error, QB with average throwing and pocket presence skills, we will be pretty good on offense. I believe, based on his statistics, etc, that Obrien is going to be the best QB recruit we have had in Lincoln since Osborne retired. He has tremendous upside potential. He is the epitome of a "Riley" pro style QB in size, arm, passing skills, etc. Riley has found 'his' QB. Give him a chance to use him. Riley got the RB from St Louis that I believe is the real deal and will be excellent. He is the likely starter next fall as well.
Special Teams: I want to see more creativity in the special teams with much better returns especially. I am not sure we really 'won' the special teams at all this year in any one game. Brown has got the field goal kicking under control but somehow lost his ability to kick the ball deep on kick offs. Not sure how to explain that one. We have a great kicker recruit on the line and if we can get him, the future should be solid there. I would suggest we find a rugby or specialty type punter who can spice up the punt game. Our punting was good but not great this year and we need great. Special teams were not 'special' and they must be. Special teams is ONE THIRD of the team. It must win most of the time if we are to be a great team again.
Offense: We threw the ball too much as most on here agree. We need to average 10 less passes and 10 more runs to get the in the right general balance/mix. We need to USE the fullback more and even consider about 8 snaps a game out of a full house backfield with FB and two tail backs (wish bone or other similar true run formations). We don't have to run the QB with Obrien but he must be able to scramble around and be willing and actually run for 2 first downs each and every game at a minimum. receivers as a group are super and we are recruting the right ones to add even more skill there. We are loaded there. RB is rather tough. I love the RB from St Lous and I would be thrilled if we found a JUCO RB to come in and help right away as well. We need two. I would evaluate our present group for position changes such as to linebacker. Hopefully they have adequate speed to play a LB spot. Not sure if they are fast enough for Safety but ? Give them all a close look. We need another great FB from Columbus or Grand island or someplace to get in there. O Line is always in need of more big boys with heart and a nasty streak. Find them. Pay em. Whatever it takes to get them in to Lincoln ASAP.