So, my theory: By telling the state's two major newspapers last week he plans to open up practices to media -- and also by saying he may permanently shut off his assistants to media interviews, another first in his tenure -- he created discussion that deflects from at least one much more impactful (and uncomfortable) storyline: The pressure on the head coach and his staff this coming season to win and win big.
Granted, there’s always pressure on the Nebraska football coaching staff. Goes with the territory. Yada, yada, yada. But perhaps you can think back to last November, particularly to the week leading to the Iowa game. The “hot seat” speculation engulfed the program -- “engulfed” isn’t too strong. The situation had a profound impact on Pelini. Anything that diminishes that discussion is helpful. So, how about having the media focus on itself for awhile this off-season? We're awfully good at that.
I also wonder if Pelini opening practices to the media signifies a shift from Bo’s tendency toward an “us against the world” mentality, which obviously creates an inherently negative vibe.