The Rise & Fall - A trip down memory lane of the Nebraska Cornhuskers football program

[Dansker]

I did a lot of research, digging, and preparing this. It took quite a while. I wanted to provide a complete layout to our fan base, players, possible recruits on the history of this football program, maybe even outsiders so they can better understand where our crazy fan base is coming from, where we came from, what we did, how we got to where we are today. Honoring the 1995 Nebraska Cornhuskers team today is what really inspired me to post this. This is indeed a long thread but entertaining to say the least IMO as it paints a picture of our history. Probably one of the longest threads on HB but just buy yourself some time and enjoy the read (hopefully.)

Here are some statistics over the years of losing records through the first five games of a season for the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team. This post can provide clarity for any young Cornhusker fans out there, current players, potential recruits. I feel that additionally, we are missing local coaches who might have been former players where Nebraska is their alma mater as well and my allegation that the ADMINISTRATIVE DEPARTMENT is the enemy of Nebraska coaches, players, and fans. We will discuss the following in no specific order:

1.) History of the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team
2.) History of Coaches/Staff members of the football team over the years
3.) History of Athletic Directors
4.) Offense/Defense history throughout the years
5.) Psyche of the Nebraska Football program
6.) Education on the tradition of Uniforms

These are some of the worst 5 game stretches in Nebraska history:

1899 1-3-1
1938 0-4-1
1941 2-3
1942 2-3
1943 1-4
1944 1-4
1945 0-5
1946 2-3
1947 2-3
1948 1-4
1949 2-3
1951 1-4
1953 1-3-1
1955 1-4
1956 2-3
1957 1-4
1958 2-3
1959 2-3
1961 2-2-1


A Head coach of Wyoming, a MICHIGAN man who posted a career record at Wyoming of 35-10-5 (.750) and in conference play 27-4-3 (.838) is hired as Nebraska's new head coach and the head coach from Wyoming

Bob Devaney (1962-1972; served as athletic director from 1967-1993 and as athletic director emeritus until 1996)

In 1962 completes a 5-0 record and off to the best start in school history/finishes 9-2 on the year
*Makes it his personal goal to knock off the winningest college football team the Michigan Wolverines
In the second game of his career, Nebraska did just that by defeating the Wolverines 25-13 in Ann Arbor in front of a record crowd of 70,287

Bob Devaney posts career record at Nebraska with 101-20-2 (.829) Conference record: 62-14-1 (.812)
2 National Titles back to back 1970 11-0-1 and 1971 13-0

Devaney not once ever had a losing record through the first five games of a season. His two poor seasons were 1967 and 1968 finishing 6-4 on both years but finishing 3-2 after five games.


Without having to dig through multiple years of history let's narrow this down to who Devaney had on staff during the back to back 1970-1971 national championships:

Bob Devaney
Alma mater: Alma College Alma, Michigan

Cletus Fischer (OL)
Alma mater: Nebraska

Carl Selmer (OL)
Alma mater: Wyoming

Jim Ross (Defensive assistant/DB's - known as Devaney's right hand man, grew up with Devaney in Michigan, coached college for the first time with him at Wyoming)
Alma mater: Wyoming

John Melton (TE/WB)
Alma mater: Wyoming

Mike Corgan (RB)
Alma mater: Notre Dame

Monte Kiffin (Defensive GA)
Alma mater: Nebraska

Warren Powers (DB)
Alma mater: Nebraska

Boyd Epley (S&C)
Alma mater: Nebraska

Bill Thornton (Offensive GA)
Alma mater: Nebraska

Tom Osborne (promoted to OC after back to back 6-4 seasons in 67 and 68 and in 1969, Osborne instituted the famous I-FORMATION and a POWER RUNNING scheme and this resulted in a 9-2 record.)
Alma mater: Hastings, Nebraska

To recap, Bob Devaney had 6 Nebraska guy's on his staff, 4 outsiders 3 of which came from Wyoming with him and 1 from powerhouse Notre Dame.



1973 - Devaney, who after winning two national championships in back to back years and chooses his successor - a young, local and bright offensive mind and current offensive coordinator who innovated himself and installed a POWER RUN offense in his first season as OC during the Devaney era, an offense that WON TWO BACK TO BACK NATIONAL TITLES:

Tom Osborne (1973-1997; later served as interim AD in 2007 and remained AD until Jan, 2014.)

His worst starts after 5 games:

1974 3-2 next 5 games 5-0
1981 3-2 next 5 games 5-0

Posted career record of 255-49-3
3 National Titles (1994-1995, 1997)
12 Big Eight Titles (1975, 1978, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1988, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995)
1 Big 12 Title (1997)
2 Big 12 North Division Titles (1996-1997)

Coaches arguably the greatest college football team in history, the 1995 Nebraska Cornhuskers who we honored today (sadly):

Let's take a look at Osborne's staff from the 1994, 1995, 1997 national championship teams,

It is worth noting that Coach Osborne re-invented himself multiple times throughout his tenure. He was consistently getting beat by Oklahoma's wishbone option, Osborne sought out to install OPTION FOOTBALL into his power run I-Formation scheme. Tom Osborne after many years of losing bowl games to speedy Florida teams most notably the Florida State Seminoles and the Miami Hurricanes, Osborne opted to recruit more speed on both sides of he ball primarily on defense.

We all know the rest is history and how Coach Osborne went out with a bang, commanded a dynasty that went 60-3 during a 4 year stretch had what many believed; teams that instilled the fear of God in them whenever Big Red took the field.

So, let's fast forward,

*1997 Tom Osborne announces retirement and chooses his successor

Frank Solich (HC 1998-2003)

*Finished undefeated 5-0 through first 5 games of each season from 1998-2001

2002 3-2 worst 5 game stretch since 1981 next 5 games finishes 3-2 with Nebraska sitting at 6-4 overall the worst record since 1968 and the Devaney era.

Solich's 2002 team goes on to become bowl eligible breaks even at 7-7 with the worst record since the Devaney era.



*2003 Frank Solich literally cleans house and the following ensues:

FIRED:

Craig Bohl in his 3rd season as DC/LB coach
11 years at Nebraska
Alma mater: Nebraska
Proceeded by Bo Pelini DC/LB coach
Alma mater: Ohio State
Jimmy Williams 1st year at Nebraska co-LB coach
Alma mater: Nebraska

Dan Young
20 seasons as OL/K coach
Alma mater: Reed
Proceeded by Scott Downing 1st year at Nebraska TE/ST coach
Alma mater: Sterling

Milt Tenopir
29 seasons as OL coach
Alma mater: Nebraska
Proceeded by Barney Cotton 1st year at Nebraska OC/OL coach
Alma mater: Nebraska

Nelson Barnes
6 seasons as RE coach
Alma mater: North Texas
Proceeded by Jeff Jamrog (retained) DL/DE coach
Alma mater: Nebraska

George Darlington
30 seasons as DB coach
Alma mater: Rutgers
Proceeded by Marvin Sanders 1st year at Nebraska DB coach
Alma mater: Nebraska

Dave Gillespie
5 seasons as RB coach, 14 years at Nebraska
Alma mater: Nebraska-Omaha
Proceeded by Tim Albin 1st year at Nebraska RB coach
Alma mater: Northwestern Oklahoma

RETAINED:
Turner Gill
11 seasons at Nebraska as QB coach
Alma mater: Nebraska

Ron Brown
16 seasons at Nebraska as WR/TE coach
Alma mater: Nebraska

Jeff Jamrog
3 seasons as DL coach 5 years at Nebraska
Alma mater: Nebraska

Boyd Epley
35 seasons as S&C coach
Alma mater: Nebraska

Solich fires 3 Nebraska guy's: Craig Bohl (DC), Milt Tenopir (OL), Nelson Barnes (RE) and fired 2 outside the program guys: Dan Young (K/OL), George Darlington (DB)

Solich goes on to hire 3 Nebraska guy's: Jimmy Williams (LB), Barney Cotton (OL/OC), Marvin Sanders (DB) with 4 additional staff members retained where Nebraska is the alma mater: Turner Gill (AHC/QB), Ron Brown (WR), Jeff Jamrog (DL/DE coach), Boyd Epley (S&C). That makes 8 total Nebraska guy's on the staff.

 

[Dansker]

2003 - Frank Solich and Bo Pelini, courtesy of the Lincoln Journalstar

With primarily Tom Osborne recruits, Frank Solich and Nebraska posted the following records:

1998 9-4
1999 12-1 - The

snapped a nation leading 47-game home winning streak for Nebraska, Nebraska would redeem themselves by defeating Texas in the 1999 Dr. Pepper Big XII Championship Game in dominating fashion 22-6. This remains to be the last time the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team won a conference championship.

2000 10-2 - BCS No. 1 Nebraska loses to No. 2 Oklahoma 31-14, Nebraska would go on to lose a pivotal division title on the line game to Kansas State 29-28.

2001 11-2:

On November 23, 2001, Folsom Field Boulder, Colorado - No. 1 ranked Nebraska Cornhuskers were stunned by the 14th ranked Colorado Buffaloes. Nebraska surrendered 380 rushing yards, 202 through the air the most ever total yards given up in years and 62 points. Nebraska was down shockingly 42-23 at the half. The entire United States of America was witnessing one of the most storied football programs in history get demoralized on national television. The final score:

It was a sad day to be a Nebraska fan and most fans circle this as the most heart wrenching loss in the history of the program and I to this day will say this serves as the day old Nebraska football fell from grace but nothing was more heartbreaking than the infamous "Crying Nebraska kid."

After a series of upsets of top ranked teams, not one team could capitalize on the No. 2 BCS ranking and it became a mess as 8 TEAMS total miraculously fall ahead of Nebraska and now controversy begins. Would a 10-2 Nebraska team who just suffered a lopsided loss and did not win their own conference back their way into the BCS National Championship game in a historic clash with the Miami Hurricanes?

Colorado would go on to defeat the Texas Longhorns in the Big XII title game and on the BCS selection show a controversy was born. 10-2 Nebraska who did NOT win their conference was selected by the BCS computers as the No.2 best team and would go on to face the Miami Hurricanes in the 2002 Rose Bowl BCS National Championship Game. The Colorado Buffaloes No. 4 BCS upset by the selection was chosen to play No. 3 BCS Oregon who felt they deserved a shot at the Miami Hurricanes. Nebraska stood no chance as the Miami Hurricanes from top to bottom had NFL talent abroad. They embarrass the Nebraska Cornhuskers 37-14 in the Rose Bowl.

The Miami Hurricanes and Clinton Portis running away with the Roses and BCS National Championship

Oregon Ducks head coach Mike Bellotti who was in attendance provided a case that his Oregon Ducks were the 2nd best team in the country and should have played the Hurricanes.

Among the chaos, the words "playoff, plus-1 format" was starting to gain traction. The BCS committee later inserted what was known as THE NEBRASKA RULE where a team has to win it's own conference to appear in the BCS Championship. This rule was later "overruled" when the Oklahoma Sooners were stunned by the Kansas State Wildcats in the 2003 Big XII Championship. Oklahoma would appear in the 2003 BCS title game (2004 Sugar Bowl) and lose to Nick Saban led LSU Tigers.

Nebraska and Frank Solich would go on to finish 7-7 in 2002 and several losses in embarrassing fashion:

September 14, 2002 a 40-7 embarrassment to the Penn State Nittany Lions in front of an all-white immaculate crowd on National Television.
A 36-14 loss to Iowa State the following week.

A 24-21 loss to Oklahoma State two weeks later where Husker QB Jammal Lord and players are seen laughing and smiling on the sidelines on the brink of defeat.

A 27-24 heart wrenching loss to bitter rival

A 49-13 blowout loss to the Kansas State Wildcats

A 28-13 lifeless defeat at the hands of wannabe rival Colorado Buffaloes

Athletic Director Bill Byrne who served 11 years as AD from 1992-2003 where his teams won 8 national championships, 82 Big Eight and Big 12 Conference championships - resigned from Nebraska on December 2, 2002 to take over as athletic director at Texas A&M and his successor whom Harvey Perlman hired is infamously known as:

Steve Pederson (Nebraska AD 2002-2007)

Fast forward to November, 2003 - Rumors swirling around the football program that Steve Pederson discussed Solich's status with Boosters where news columns throughout the country spawn about Frank Solich's future as head coach at Nebraska

Frank Solich provides a statement that retirement has never crossed his mind and that he is unaware of any plans by Steve Pederson to force him out. Three boosters say Steve Pederson has told them that Frank Solich will be asked to retire.

On November 30, 2003, Steve Pederson fired the Nebraska football head coach Frank Solich

(source: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=1674143)

OMAHA, Neb. -- Nebraska football coach Frank Solich was

fired Saturday night after winning more than 75 percent of his
games over six seasons but failing to keep the Cornhuskers as the
national powerhouse they were under Tom Osborne.

The official announcement came on Sunday.

"I commend Frank Solich for his long history of service to this university and the football program," athletic director Steve Pederson said in a prepared statement. "He is a man of integrity and he has served the program well in many ways. However, I have asked Frank to step down as head football coach. It is my belief that our program needs different leadership to carry us into the future."

"All I know is we did the best we could. We mustered up nine
wins. To a man, we can hold our heads high," offensive coordinator
Barney Cotton told the Associated Press Saturday night.

Cotton said he had a bad feeling about the situation on the
flight home from Colorado on Friday night after Nebraska's 31-22
victory.

"I was happy with the win and proud of how the kids played, but
I didn't know if that win was enough to resolve the situation," he
said. "Steve's decision must have already been made."

Solich's son-in-law, Jon Dalton, said Solich is disappointed.

"I don't know the reason behind it," Dalton said. "Get Steve
to tell you. This is a sad day for the state of Nebraska."

Split end Ross Pilkington, was stunned.

"I'm so filled with emotion," Pilkington said. "It almost
feels like losing my father. After winning nine games, this doesn't
happen."

Solich and Pederson could not be reached for comment. Nebraska
spokesperson Chris Anderson would not comment Saturday night on the
firing.

Solich had just finished a 9-3 regular season with Friday's
31-22 victory at Colorado. He was 58-19 in six seasons.

Pinnacle Sports Network, the rights holder for Nebraska radio
broadcasts, reported that first-year defensive coordinator Bo
Pelini would be the interim head coach.

The current group of assistants will coach the in Nebraska's
upcoming bowl game. It was unknown whether any of the assistants
will be retained after the bowl.

"Frank just said it was over, and that Steve (Pederson) would
be contacting us," Cotton told the Lincoln Journal Star.

It will cost the university at least $1.8 million to buy out
Solich's contract, which was to run through June 2006. He was paid
an annual base salary of $321,260, with another $518,000 in
guaranteed supplemental compensation.

Solich took over after Osborne retired after the 1997 season.
The Cornhuskers won at least a share of the national title in three
of Osborne's final four seasons.

Solich was 42-9 in his first four seasons. He was Big 12 coach
of the year in 1999 and 2001, won the '99 conference title and his
team played for the national championship after the '01 season.

But Solich's success was downplayed because critics said he won
with players recruited by Osborne.

The Cornhuskers went 7-7 in 2002 -- the team's worst season since
1961 -- and struggled against quality opponents this season.

Their three losses all were by more than 17 points, capped by a
38-9 loss to Kansas State -- Nebraska's worst at home since 1958 --
in the final home game of the season.

Solich's record for his six seasons was 58-19.

The last Nebraska head football coach to be fired was Bill
Jennings, who was removed and replaced by Bob Devaney in 1962.

Solich played fullback for Nebraska from 1963-65. He was
assistant to Osborne for 19 years beginning in 1979.

source: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=1674143

To this day, the firing of Frank Solich seems to have divided a fan base. On one hand, there are those who say had we not fired Frank Solich, we would never be in the mess we are today. Others saw it no other way. Change was "needed" for them. As it stands, Frank Solich served this program with LOYALTY. He coached under Osborne, he led Nebraska to its last conference championship in football. He led us to 2 BCS bowl berths something Callahan and Pelini never did at Nebraska. The ultimate lingering question - Was Nebraska wrong to fire a 9-win season coach? Most of America outside of the red state of Nebraska agreed that you DO NOT fire a 9-win coach and should Nebraska end up in the college football graveyard, then shame on them. There are rumors but nothing to prove that Solich being fired was a result of off the field issues. There is zero proof of it.

Bo Pelini serves as interim-HC as Nebraska defeats Michigan in the 2003 Alamo Bowl 17-3 with a dominating defensive performance as fans chant "We Want Bo!"

 

[Dansker]

After a 40 day unsuccessful search to find Solich's successor, Steve Pederson settles for and personally hires,

Bill Callahan (Nebraska HC 2004-2007)

Bill Callahan - an NFL head coach who was fired from the Oakland Raiders (4-12) just one year after leading them to an 11-4 regular season record and a Super Bowl vs. his former boss Jon Gruden with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Many fans were excited about the hire seeing that Nebraska's Power Run Option offense was dated (I personally disagree and we know option football still works to this day,) and needed to field an offense that could come from behind and score quickly and gather the attention of top recruits. Callahan's biggest selling point was a been there, done that in the NFL it immediately attracted talent. Bo Pelini was not retained as defensive coordinator the only remaining staff member connected to Nebraska's legacy was Turner Gill who was retained and served one year with the staff. Losing Gill was the last straw for many Husker fans as his quiet exit broke many hearts. The scars remain to this day and some still pine for Gill to make a return as HC.

January, 2003 Bill Callahan makes a statement and aims to cut down walk-ons - Immediately this does not connect well with the Nebraska fan base or former players. It seems divisive. Why destroy the walk-on program? It WAS A STAPLE during the Devaney and Osborne era's especially for Coach Osborne. Still, the walk-on program was cut down and to this day it appears Nebraska has not recovered from it.

2004 Nebraska loses it's second game of the year to Southern Mississippi.

“Southern Miss was very opportunistic,” NU Coach Bill Callahan said. “When you turn the ball over the amount of times we did today, you’re going to lose. It’s unfortunate that a lot of good things were done on the field today, and I felt like we had improvement in certain areas. It’s disappointing and unfortunate that the players had a game taken away from them. Our ball security needs to improve. We had 476 yards total offense and gave the ball away five times, that’s a tough pill to swallow. I thought our defense played outstanding.”

source -http://www.huskers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=100&ATCLID=75427

Sound familiar to anyone yet?

October 9, 2004 Nebraska surrenders 70 points to Texas Tech in a 70-10 loss the most points ever scored on the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team in its 114 year history (at the time from 1890-2004.)

2004 3-2 through the first 5 games, Nebraska would go on to finish 2-4 for the remainder of the year. Nebraska has its FIRST losing season in 43 years since 1963 where Nebraska finished 3-6-1 under another Bill as head coach - Bill Jennings.

2005 Nebraska finishes with (#5 ranked/rivals) recruiting class and (#10 scout) the future looked bright as we were getting talent rich players

2005 seemed to be a better year as the only real blowout loss is a 40-15 setback to unranked Kansas, Nebraska would go on to defeat

30-3 and

is born. Nebraska would then defeat the Michigan Wolverines 32-28 and all of a sudden everyone is talking about the momentum in Lincoln being carried into 2006 and things are looking bright.

2006 Nebraska has a successful year winning the North division title with a heartbreaking loss to

22-20 on 10/21/2006 in Lincoln, NE Nebraska would go on to face :spooners in the Big XII title game losing 21-7 in severely cold below freezing temperature.

2007 Season - On September 19, 2007 the then No. 1 ranked USC Trojans came to town in front of arguably the loudest pre-game crowd in history. Everyone and their mother was jacked up. Fans were declaring this is it. This is where Nebraska Restores the Order! The famous tunnel walk is shown on LIVE TV on ABC for the first time in so long with Sirius blaring in the background! This was the day that Nebraska would be "BACK." As the story goes, Nebraska trailed the Trojans 21-10 at the half showing massive weaknesses in their rush defense and defensive line giving up a ton of yards on the ground. This was immediately well documented during USC's opening drive. Fans knew, this was going to be a long night. USC continued to RUN the football and scored 21 unanswered points in the 3rd quarter to take a 42-10 lead heading into the 4th and Memorial Stadium seats begin to empty out. USC put on the brakes and inserted backups into the game and Nebraska would go on to score 21 points (otherwise known as garbage points) and lose to the final score of 49-31.

Reality sets in at Nebraska - fans and former players realize, Nebraska is so far off from returning to elite status. On September 22, 2007 a MICHIGAN MAN again by the name of Brady Hoke (who would later become the head coach of the Michigan Wolverines, no longer of course) served as the head coach of Ball State and nearly upsets Nebraska in a loss 41-40. A meltdown followed the win as fans, former players are in panic mode over the state of the football program announcing that THIS IS NEBRASKA and we have HIGHER standards than this. Many fans and former players advise everyone to calm down and that we may still have a shot at achieving something. The season took a turn for the worst.

On October 6, 2007 Columbia, MO after a late TV appearance due to prior programming, Nebraska was already down 14-0 to the Missouri Tigers. Down 20-6 at the half, Nebraska showed nothing that said they would turn this game around and the results proved it as Missouri would go on to score 21 straight unanswered points with a final score of 41-6. Nebraska had 43 pass attempts for 223 yards, rushed it 25 times for 74 yards. Brutal loss. Many fans clamor for a return to the old style and ways of Husker football. Husker Nation misses a power running offense and tough as nails defense. They were not getting what they cherished for the past 40+ years.

To this day, many fans are torn over the change. Some believed had Bill Callahan cut ties with his defensive coordinator/most of his defensive assistants he would still be HC today. Others argue that changing Nebraska's style and scheme was something not suited for the climate, our tradition, our legendary ways of winning with HUSKER!!! POWER!!!

On October 13, 2004 Lincoln, NE homecoming game - Nebraska trailed the Oklahoma State Cowboys 38-0 at the half. Boo birds rang throughout Memorial Stadium, online columns, radio programs are at a loss for words on the direction of the program, fans begin leaving the stadium seats at the half and later into the game. A lonely Tom Osborne stands in the press box with his hands on a railing, his face with a sad expression and watery eyes as he turns his back on Memorial Stadium and disappears into blackness.

2 days later on October 15, 2004 after severe BOOSTER and FAN disappointment, weeks of turmoil, HOPE was finally on the way! Steve Pederson was FIRED as athletic director at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

The following day on October 16, 2004 - Legendary former head coach Tom Osborne is hired to serve as interim athletic director for the remainder of the year!

Husker Nation was thriving many called for the end of the Callahan era. Rumors swirled around as to who would replace Callahan. But no firing ever took place during the season. Osborne laid out strict guidelines for Bill Callahan and Mr. Callahan did not meet the goals.

On November 23, 2007 - Nebraska sports ALL WHITE uniforms for the first time in 15 years and was immediately noticed and disliked by many, many Nebraska fans. Some fans considered it as the last dying slap in the face to the historic football program. The uniforms are infamously known as

The Surrender White Uniforms

Nebraska had not worn a classic all white uniform look since 1992. They wore the all white uniforms for a majority of their away games. The last time was when Nebraska suffered a disappointing 19-10 loss to rival Iowa State, and eventual Co-National Champion Washington Huskies. But it was the year that,

Touchdown Tommie Frazier was born (Nebraska QB 1992-1995)

Arguably the greatest Nebraska football player of all-time, Nebraska never sported the all white look ever again during the 90's dynasty.

The all whites were re-introducted in 2002 with a new uniform design

The uniforms were later canned after fans and former players continuously announced their hatred for the new uniforms including the home uniforms and did not appreciate getting rid of the classic Nebraska uniforms

amid pressure from the public, the Cornhusker fans/former players, Nebraska later returned back to it's classic uniforms and the red pants during away games in 2003. It is argued that apparel company ADIDAS is to blame for the uniform fiasco in 2002 and to this day is debated on whether or not Nebraska should move towards a new apparel company (rumored NIKE)

2003 opening game Nebraska vs. Oklahoma State

Nebraska (below) dons the classic uniforms once again! Husker Nation is restored after a dominating defensive performance vs the Cowboys. The Nebraska defense was seen flying around.

Continuing - On November 24, 2007, Osborne fired head coach Bill Callahan following a 5–7 season. He provided specific layouts and an opportunity for Callahan to keep his job. At the time, it was well known and cited that Bill Callahan had a distaste for Tom Osborne, labeling Osborne, "A crusty old f***." Osborne appointed himself interim head coach so that he could perform recruiting duties while remaining in compliance with NCAA rules. He served as interim head coach for about a week.

 

[Dansker]

Nebraska vs. Colorado 65-51 loss - the Surrender White uniforms return,

2007 photo of Nebraska QB Joe Ganz seen here just before he is tackled.

December 2, 2007 Nebraska hires former Nebraska assistant coach and defensive specialist,

Bo Pelini (Nebraska HC 2008-2014)

Pelini served as DC for the Huskers in 2003 season, bringing back a fiery defense, served as interim HC for the 2003 Alamo Bowl vs. Michigan State and was not retained as such nor was he retained by Bill Callahan but many felt he was the right hire. Tom Osborne indicated that the defense was what needed to be fixed.

Pelini previously served as Co-DC at Oklahoma helping lead them to a Big 12 title and BCS championship game vs USC losing 55-19 to the Trojans. Pelini later joined Les Miles at LSU where Miles cited Pelini's talents being spotted back in 2003 when Nebraska defeated Miles led Oklahoma State Cowboys 17-3. Pelini helped Miles lead LSU to a national championship in 2007. Many LSU fans were happy that we he was gone citing that they did not like his over the top attitude, and stating that he could not stop a dual threat QB to save his life and that his scheme is too complicated for college and that you need top of the line recruits to run it. Tiger fans also noted that Pelini had a weakness in recruiting. Bo Pelini later told Nebraska media that he saw himself more as a "closer" when it comes to recruiting. Nonetheless there are those who believe Nebraska did in fact take a talent drop during the Pelini era. The irony in this is that is exactly what happened at Nebraska under Pelini as well... Nebraska had a hard time stopping dual threat QB's.

On October 4, 2008 - Nebraska suffers its worst home loss in school history a 52-17 drubbing by the hands of Chase Daniel led Missouri Tigers. Chase Daniel would later go on to describe Nebraska's defense as being "High School." Nebraska would later go on to lose 62-28 and embarrassed on national TV again this time by the record setting offense of the :spooners

During the post game presser, Pelini was all about "moving on" to the next game forgetting that they ever came to Norman, Oklahoma in the first place. Somehow Pelini motivated his players and they ended the season with a 4 game win streak defeating Clemson in the Gator Bowl.

November 28, 2008 - Nebraska kicker Alex Henery seen below kicking a school record 57-yard FG for Nebraska to take the go ahead lead 32-31 over Colorado.

Star Nebraska defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh seen here after intercepting a Cody Hawkins pass on Colorado's final drive. Suh presumed to throw down and then trample the Buffs QB. Nebraska would go on to win 40-31 in epic fashion.

In 2009, Nebraska's defense was the talk of the town. Pelini stated he felt really good about our defense. Questions remained as prolific QB Joe Ganz graduated and Nebraska had to replace starters on offense. Nebraska would go on to lose at the very end to the Virginia Tech Hokies who were down 15-10 until Nebraska gave up a an 80 yard pass through the air putting the Hokies in the red zone. Virginia Tech would go on to score the game winning touchdown to win 16-15. The Hitler-Nebraska parody was born and became viral.

Downfall - Husker parody video Hitler reacts to Nebraska's loss to Virginia Tech

On game week against Texas Tech, Nebraska head coach Bo Pelini finally handed out the coveted blackshirts

to the defense. Fans argued that traditionally, players earned them before the season began. Pelini went against that tradition along with appointing too many "co-captains." Nebraska would go on to lose to the Red Raiders 31-10 where the score did not indicate how bad the game really was.

On October 24, 2009 - Nebraska has 8 turnovers, 5 fumbles and 3 interceptions against Iowa State and loses 9-7. Nebraska WR Niles Paul fumbled near the goal line and Iowa State recovered. Ball security seemed to be an issue during the Pelini era. It seemed players took on the mentality of their head coach - make a mistake going 100 mph. Well, this results in a lot of crash & burn scenarios. Nebraska then went on a 5 game winning streak winning the Big XII north division title and waiting in the wings for them was the

Texas kicks game winning FG after controversial 1-second added to the game clock.

Pelini was noted for angrily going to the locker room/halls and screaming throughout the stadium as was most of his staff. Pelini later met with Dan Beebe then Big XII Commissioner to voice his complaints.

An outraged Pelini shouted in the tunnel that the Huskers were robbed and that Texas was given extra time so it could play in the national championship game "BCS. That's why they make that call," Pelini yelled.

Nebraska would earn a bid to play in the Holiday Bowl against Arizona winning in dominating fashion 33-0 where coach Pelini made a statement:

"Thanks to all of our great fans for coming out and supporting us here ... I just want to say that Nebraska's back, and we're here to stay," Husker Head Coach Bo Pelini said, hoisting the Holiday Bowl trophy after becoming NU's first head coach ever to win his first three bowl games.

In 2010, Chancellor Harvey Perlman and Tom Osborne ended Nebraska's long-standing relationship with the Big 12 Conference and accepted an invitation for Nebraska to become the twelfth member of the Big Ten Conference this happened seemingly after half the Big XII conference threatened to head over to the now Pac-12. As it turned out, Colorado went to the Pac-12 and has been very poor, Texas A&M and Missouri have thrived in the SEC while Nebraska has been stagnant in the B1G conference.

During the 2010 season opener, Bo Pelini announced freshman Taylor Martinez would be the starting QB in Nebraska's season opener just minutes before kick off.

T-Magic AKA Taylor Martinez who went on to have a successful career at Nebraska is seen here ripping off one of his many long touchdown sprints.

 

[Dansker]

During the 2010 season Nebraska began a campaign that went viral the infamous,

Nebraska would falter to bitter rival

yet again this time getting out-coached 20-13. Nebraska got a late score from a 95 yard Eric Hagg punt return so in theory Nebraska could have lost 20-6 at home.

November 20, 2010 - No. 9 Nebraska vs. No. 18 Texas A&M

Nebraska was penalized 17 times for 145 yards which resulted in controversy that the Big XII was doing everything it could to screw Nebraska as they were on their way out of the conference. Coach Bo Pelini was seen several times on the sidelines berating his players and even exchanged a foul mouthed argument with QB Taylor Martinez who reportedly had been sending text messages to his father during the game and in the locker room.

Pelini yelling at Big XII officiating crew during the 2010 Texas A&M game

Bo Pelini's brother and Nebraska defensive coordinator at the time, Carl Pelini is seen here before destroying a college student's camera

Pelini ripping into Husker tight end Ben Cotton for retaliating against an A&M player resulting in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. He had every right as his testicular area was being groped.

Bo Pelini seen here yelling at Taylor Martinez during the 2010 A&M game. Some curse words were clearly said.

Bo Pelini was later reprimanded by Nebraska Chancellor Harvey Perlman who stated he was concerned about Pelini's sideline demeanor. Following the loss, rumors again swirled around the program that QB Taylor Martinez was quitting the team although this was later squashed by Pelini himself. It's certainly clear, controversy and drama surrounded the Pelini era. Week in and week out, TV camera's surrounded Bo Pelini on the sidelines waiting for him to snap again, and again, and again.

Nebraska would go on to face Oklahoma in the 2010 Dr. Pepper Big XII Championship. It was fitting as it was going to be the end of an era but for most Sooner/Husker fans, that ended the day the Big XII was formed. The rivalry never regained its status. Nebraska led at one point 17-0 but the Sooners went on to score 17 unanswered points themselves. Nebraska kicked a FG to go up 20-17 heading into the half. Oklahoma would kick 2 field goals to outscore Nebraska 6-0 in a defensive 2nd half battle to secure the win and the championship 23-20 but the story was that Nebraska yet again is still without a conference championship dating back to 1999. Nebraska went on to face the Washington Huskies yet again the third time in 2 years where Nebraska had gone 2-0 against them. In the bowl game, lifeless Nebraska suffered a defeat to the attune of 19-7 which led to the firing of offensive coordinator Shawn Watson.

Nebraska would then move on to the Big 10 conference for the 2011 season joining the Legends division getting it's name because of the storied programs in the division.

On October 1, 2011 the Wisconsin Badgers embarrassed 8th ranked Nebraska Cornhuskers on national TV 48-17. During timeouts during the game, Badger fans sung the song "Sweet Caroline" and danced throughout the stadium. A lackluster performance and another blowout loss where fans and former players were left with questioning Pelini and his staff's decisions during the game. Nebraska then followed up by rattling off 3 wins in a row one of which was against the 9th ranked Michigan State Spartans 24-3. The Spartans though would later go on to play the Wisconsin Badgers in the inaugural 2011 Big 10 Championship Game following Nebraska's upset loss to Northwestern 28-25 and a blowout loss to the Michigan Wolverines 45-17.

Nebraska ended the 2011 season with a loss, a 30-13 shellacking against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Capital One Bowl.

2012 looked to be a bright season however, Nebraska dropped a road game to un-ranked UCLA and gave up 600+ yards of total offense to them. The 36-30 score did not indicate how bad the loss really was.

On October 6, 2012 - Nebraska was again embarrassed on national TV 63-38 to The Ohio State Buckeyes they would go on to rush for 371 yards against the Blackshirt defense. tOSU QB Braxton Miller was virtually unstoppable rushing for 186 yards alone. Not a fun welcoming for Bo Pelini in Columbus, Ohio however, Nebraska rallied with 6 straight consecutive wins avenging their losses from 2011 to Northwestern and Michigan, Nebraska would go on to win the Legends division to face the Wisconsin Badgers (8-6, 4-4) whom they beat earlier in the season 30-27 in dramatic fashion. The Badgers earned the right to play in the conference championship due to division winner Ohio State (12-0, 8-0) suffering a one-year postseason ban and runner-up Penn State serving a 4-year postseason ban later reduced to 2 years.

Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon seen here shredding the Nebraska defense. He would go on to have 9 CARRIES for 216 yards and he was their backup. Starter Montee Ball rushed for 202 yards off 21 carries and bench warmer James White rushed for 109 yards off 15 carries. That was 527 yards combined between the three of them.

Nebraska suffered arguably the worst loss in its programs history a 70-31 blowout. A lot of Nebraska fans will place this and 2001's 62-36 loss to Colorado as the No. 1 & No. 2 worst defeats in the modern era. During the half time show, as Nebraska was down 42-10 the commentators made jokes about the game and apologized for the poor performance of Nebraska's football team. Complete and utter humiliation to say the least. Wisconsin has been winning conference championships with Nebraska's old formula; a basic power run scheme with a vertical passing threat and smart, hard-nosed defense. They have not changed. Many Husker fans yearn (myself included,) for the team to return to that style as it was Nebraska's identity for years.

We lost to Georgia 45-31 in the 2013 Capital One bowl - same destination, different team; to cap off a mixed bag of a season but the end story was the same. Nebraska was still without a conference championship dating back to 1999.

Jan 1, 2013 Tom Osborne announces he will no longer be athletic director of Nebraska. He is later proceeded by,

Shawn Eichorst (Nebraska AD 2013-Current)

Shawn Eichorst was the AD from the University of Miami. Osborne was never consulted on the new hire so he was never included in the discussion.

In 2013, Nebraska sought revenge against UCLA for the loss to them in the previous season. Both teams donned alternate uniforms and Nebraska actually led 21-10 heading into the half. In the second half, UCLA went on to score 31 unanswered points to win the game 41-21. Husker QB Taylor Martinez allegedly kicked a locker and injured either his foot or toe and was never the same the rest of the season. The famous "Tape Gate" was released after the UCLA game exposing Bo Pelini's true colors and feelings towards the Nebraska Cornhuskers football program after a dramatic 34-27 come from behind win over Ohio State in 2011. He is quoted saying,

"It took everything in my power to not say, 'F*** you, fans. F*** all of you.' F***'em." After Sharpe says a lot of students had left at halftime, the woman starts to say that people did return to their seats. Pelini interjects: "Our crowd. What a bunch of f*****g fair-weather f*****g—they can all kiss my a$$ out the f*****g door. 'Cause the day is f*****g coming now. We'll see what they can do when I'm f*****g gone. I'm so f*****g pissed off."

source - http://deadspin.com/bo-pelini-on-nebraska-fans-f#*k-you-fans-f#*k-all-o-1327398903



The tape caused a major rift among fans and former players. He instantly lost the respect of I'd say 95% of the former players most notably the guys who were here during the 90's era. Many fans were calling for Eichorst to fire Bo Pelini right then and there but the quiet AD never said a word. Pelini two years later in 2013 apologized for the remarks and thought it was done in private. Many people forgave him and lined up behind the coach instead but the truth was out there. Nebraska would later lose to unranked Minnesota 34-23. Controversially, Taylor Martinez was suited up and played in the game thus eliminating any possibility of a medical RS due to his injurie(s). Fans questioned the offensive staff and the reasoning behind playing Martinez when he was clearly not healthy and later reportedly was at 60% during the game.

Nebraska later got blown out by Michigan State 41-28 at home and a 38-17 blowout loss again at home to Iowa. Pelini following the loss to Iowa was quoted as saying,

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Bo Pelini says he hasn't been told if he'll return for a seventh season as Nebraska's head coach and that he isn't spending any time worrying about it.

"If they want to fire me, go ahead," Pelini told reporters after the Cornhuskers' 38-17 loss to Iowa on Friday to finish the regular season 8-4. "I believe in what I've done. I don't apologize to you. I don't apologize to anybody, myself or this staff. My record, our record since I've been here, speaks for itself. And this program is heading in a good direction.

"You choose not to think so, that's your prerogative. All I know is myself, this staff, the people who have been associated with this program since I've been here can look themselves in the mirror and feel good about what they've done."

Though Pelini is 57-24 at Nebraska, his performance has been heavily scrutinized in the wake of bad losses to UCLA and Minnesota.

source - http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/10053894/want-fire-go-ahead



In that same time of December, 2013 AD Shawn Eichorst expresses further support for Bo Pelini and says he's proud of how the 2013 Huskers battled through adversity.

Nebraska of course, would go on to win surprisingly 24-19 over a good Georgia team in the Gator Bowl.

2014, now let's take a look at Pelini's final staff:

Tim Beck 4 years as OC/QB Coach 7 years overall
Alma mater: UCF

John Papuchis 3 years as DC 7 years overall
Alma mater: Virginia Tech

Ron Brown 4 years as RB coach 24 years overall
Alma mater: Brown/Nebraska

Barney Cotton 2 years as AHC/TE coach previously OL coach
Alma mater: Nebraska

Ross Els 4 years as LB coach
Alma mater: Nebraska-Omaha

Rich Fisher 4 years as WR coach
Alma mater: Colorado

John Garrison 2 years as OL coah
Alma mater: Nebraska

Rick Kaczenski 3 years as DL coach
Alma mater: Notre Dame

James Dobson 7 years as S&C
Alma mater: Wisconsin

Charlton Warren 1 year as Sec coach
Alma mater: Air Force


Joe Ganz served as a GA and QB assistant
Alma mater: Nebraska


*Marvin Sanders also served as Sec coach in 2008 and 2009
Alma mater: Nebraska

So theoretically, Pelini had 6 Nebraska guys during his tenure and in his final year had 5 Nebraska guys and 6 outside hires.

If we look at the big picture, it is important to hire "Nebraska" guys who get it. Devaney did it, Osborne did it, Solich did it, and Pelini did it. All 4 of these coaches have one thing in common, they won or shared titles and had winning records.

In the 2014 season, Nebraska suffered some tough defeats. A 27-22 loss at Michigan State where the team nearly rallied to win going away, and another embarrassing 59-24 loss to none other than the Wisconsin Badgers.

The loss to the Badgers again on national television for many signaled the nail in the coffin for the Bo Pelini era. Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon rushed for an NCAA record 408 yards against Nebraska's defense a record that was later broke by Pelini's childhood friend head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners, Bob Stoops. His running back Samaje Perine rushed for 427 yards against a very poor Kansas defense.

Wisconsin went on to play top ranked Ohio State in the 2014 B1G Championship. They were completely dominated and lost 59-0 which essentially earned tOSU a spot into the playoff picture. We all know what happened after that.

On the morning of November 30, 2014 the following occurred,

The current players were angry, and former players were conflicted, its important to remember our standards and how people feel:

Eric Warfield said he was perplexed by Sunday’s firing of Husker football coach Bo Pelini.

Warfield was one of the top players on Nebraska’s 1997 national championship team. He played eight years with the Kansas City Chiefs and even worked as a graduate assistant under Pelini in 2010 and 2011.

“I love Bo Pelini and I think of all he did for the university, all the talent he brought in and how he had to learn on the go,” Warfield said. “But coaching is hard and the embarrassing losses, the last four weeks around here, with the losses at Wisconsin and here against Minnesota, were hard to take.

“You can’t point fingers at the players, so you point fingers at the coaches.”

Former Husker Adam Carriker played one season (2003) for Pelini at Nebraska. In a lengthy Facebook post Sunday, he described his feelings as "conflicted," but questioned the drive within the program to climb past the nine-win plateau.

"The expectations of the current players are what they are because that's the tone set by the coaching staff," Carriker wrote.

Another former player for Pelini, Will Compton tweeted his thoughts following Washington's NFL game Sunday.

"Looking back on the games we blew ... I feel at fault, as I'm sure other players do, as to why it came to this."

Former Husker Scott Shanle, who played in the NFL nine years, said he was surprised how and when the decision to fire Pelini was made.

“I honestly thought everything was set up for him to be fired last year with the way the season finished,” Shanle said from his home in Dallas. “Bo took over here when things were in a sad state after (Bill) Callahan and he helped the program climb back. But maybe the program reached a plateau again. The people expect some championships and didn’t see them come.”

Mitch Krenk, a former Husker tight end, said the fact Nebraska was not in the national championship conversation for so long may be the reason Pelini was let go. Krenk has been a leader of the N Club for letterwinners.

“I think at this level of football, at least you should be in the conversation for a top-10 spot or more every seven years or so, and that just wasn’t happening,” Krenk said. “To never be in the conversation hurts a lot of pride for those who believe we can contend for the top again.

“But we’re in the middle of the West Division of the Big Ten, the weaker side of the Big Ten, and the Big Ten is near the bottom of the Power 5 conferences, and that’s big.”

Barron Miles, a former Husker and longtime standout with the British Columbia Lions, now coaches for Saskatchewan in the CFL.

“I am surprised, but I am always aware that all coaches face this kind of decision," Miles said. "I think Bo did a good job, and I know what Nebraska fans expect is more than they were getting. It may not be realistic, because Bo deserves a lot of credit for taking the program over after Callahan."

source - http://journalstar.com/sports/huskers/ex-huskers-talk-about-the-program-s-direction/article_36c49ed0-a491-52ae-87ae-90fe8daebac3.html

Bo Pelini also alleged during a 2nd tape gate episode in December, 2014 this one occurring just after he himself was fired that Osborne was "forced out" as AD of Nebraska. Given the history of the administration, could that be true? We may never know since Tom denied it but Tom loves the program so much he will not want to do anything to tarnish its reputation and if he was forced out, the fan upheaval would be off the charts.

December, 2014 many rumors swirling around the program and people supposedly "hearing things". The Jim Tressel rumor was gaining some traction. He was in fact spotted in Lincoln. Fans were monitoring flights online, radio programs were discussing potential hires but nobody saw what was coming. The Nebraska AD hired,

Mike Riley (Current Nebraska HC) former HC at OSU 93-80 career record at OSU 14-34 with the NFL's San Diego Chargers

Mike Riley's lone championship is with the CFL. He never won the division at Oregon State but what he did there against Oregon, USC, Stanford, etc. was pretty remarkable. One of the most well respected coaches in the business. A class act however, not a proven winner. Riley was given the keys to our football program and could have surrounded himself with remarkable staff members with a wrinkle here and there and possibly reach out to coaches whom Nebraska is their alma mater maybe retain a few from the previous staff. Instead, he hired nearly everyone from Oregon State and only one staffer was retained at Nebraska and he jumped ship shortly after and that was Charlton Warren.

The current Nebraska Cornhuskers football regime:

Mike Riley
Alma mater: Alabama

Danny Langsdorf OC/QB coach recently with NFL NY Giants/Eli Manning former OC at OSU from 2005-2013
Alma mater: Linfield

Mark Banker DC for 26 years came from OSU 97-98, SD Chargers w/ Riley 99-01, OSU DC 2003-2014
Alma mater: Springfield

Bruce Read ST coach came from OSU 2009-2014
Alma mater: Portland State

Trent Bray 6 years as LB coach came from OSU 2012-2014
Alma mater: Oregon State

Mike Cavanaugh 27 seasons as OL coach came from OSU 2005-2014
Alma mater: S Conn St

Reggie Davis 7 seasons as RB coach came from SF 49ers served as RB coach at OSU 2008-2010
Alma mater: Washington

Hank Hughes 27 seasons as DL coach came from Cincy, UConn, coached both programs to field top defenses
Alma mater: Springfield

Brian Stewart 11 years as DB coach overall recently fired as Maryland DC from 2012-2014
Alma mater: Northern Arizona

Keith Williams 16 years as WR coach
Alma mater: San Diego State
At this point we know the current athletic department will not make a change. So, it is up to fans/boosters to draw the emphatic line here.

Mark Philipp S&C coach GA from USC

So looking at this regime one thing stands out. Zero Nebraska ties. None. Zilch. 6 coaches who were with Riley at one point at OSU, 4 outside the program. None of these people were corn fed and bleed red. I personally am going to narrow down the weak hires that I can point out, Langsdorf, Banker, Read, Cavanaugh, Davis, Stewart. That is 6 guys that I have my eye on. Why? Because Excluding Langsdorf and Davis, Banker/Read/Cavanaugh all were about to be fired along with Mike Riley at OSU. Stewart already was fired from Maryland. That's 4 guys plus a HC who could have been without a job last year. The Rookie OC so far deserves to be either a co-coordinator and we hire a Nebraska guy to come in or Riley needs to help Langs find a new gig in the NFL soon.

Should Riley's team finish with the following records, 3-9, 4-8, 5-7, we either need to voice our displeasure to the top of the food chain. Admit this was a mistake, cut your losses and move on. At 6-6 we go to a bowl game, win and we're 7-6 on the year, Riley still should consider some staff moves. So at 6-7 or 7-6 HCMR must consider making some moves on his staff. I do highly recommend hiring Nebraska guys and there is one guy who comes to mind and his name is

Scott Frost (3 years OC at Oregon 4 years overall)

Should Nebraska somehow finish 6-7, 7-6 or 7-7 we need to go and get Mr. Frost. Oregon could have a bad year and fire their current HC thus it gives Riley the opportunity to go snag Scott Frost. What better way to unify the fan base than to get a NEBRASKA guy to install what he has learned offensively from the bright minds over the years. Riley needs to understand that a pass heavy pro style offense will not succeed at a program like Nebraska. It has been tried and it has failed numerous times. Coach Osborne took the initiative and installed a new style into our offense nearly 50 years ago. It can be done again. I have previously indicated that Nebraska needs to implement the Erhard-Perkins system. It is a basic offense relying on smashmouth running and short to intermediate down field high percentage passes. It is a system used to have an efficient offense in cold climate areas. The Big 10 is a cold climate conference. Nebraska is known to be windier than the windy city itself. Erhardt is quoted as saying, "throw to score, run to win." This has always rang true in football. The team that RUNS the ball better usually wins.

We are getting statistically the same numbers we achieved under Bill Callahan and we let 4 years of that drivel last in Lincoln. I can't imagine us letting this regime carry out that scheme for 3 more years. Nebraska's roots has always been a hard-nosed defense with a powerful rushing attack. Look at all the top teams today, they put an emphasis on RUNNING the football. Alabama, Stanford, Wisconsin are all 3 programs known to have a smashmouth run game and vertical passing attack but not West Coast. Nebraska will never regain national relevance with a WCO or "pro style" offense. Nebraska will regain national relevance with a smashmouth offense and tough as nails defense.

We currently have the worst pass defense in the country. How this is acceptable to fans and former players is beyond me. At the end of the day, we the fans pay these coaches their salaries and the current AD has a job because of us. Until fans and important people to the program voice their displeasure loud enough, nothing will be done. If we're willing to continue on this crash course it will do irreparable harm to our beloved program. We may never get out of the depths we're in. But there is a way. The Nebraska way. Hire NEBRASKA guys who GET IT. Just look at the list below, some may not be current but you get the gist:

Trev Alberts Nebraska-Omaha AD
Dave Gillespie current AD at Midland
Ed Stewart Asst Commissioner for Football and Student Services Big XII Conference
Scott Frost OC at Oregon Ducks
Doug Colman Asst Special Teams Houston Texans
Jason Licht General Mgr of Tampa Bay Bucs
Kevin Luhrs Team Nutritionist of Tampa Bay Bucs
Carlos Polk Asst Special Teams Tampa Bay Bucs
Eric Stokes Asst General Mgr Miami Dolphins
Zac Taylor Quarterbacks Miami Hurricanes
Jake Peetz Oakland Raiders Senior Offensive Assistant
Barron Miles DB coach in the CFL with Saskatchewan Roughriders
Burton Burns Alabama AHC/RBs
Mike Minter HC at Campbell University
Jimmy Williams DL at Eastern Michigan
Daniel Bullocks DB coach at Eastern Michigan
Georgia State Tony Samuel OLB coach
Liberty Turner Gill HC
Langston University Mickey Joseph HC
Mike Grant North Texas WR coach
Jon Parrella Northern Michigan DL coach
Craig
Jimmy Burrow defensive coordinator Ohio U
Gerry Gdowski QB coach Ohio U
Keven Lightner OL coach Ohio U

 

[Dansker]

There are numerous NEBRASKA guys out there and quite frankly the football program needs those kind of men more than anything. Men who understand the culture, the tradition, the legacy. We have a head coach who had NO IDEA that Nebraska traditionally wears red pants on the road!

These, remember these?

Notice Tommie wearing Nike shoes? Can we ditch ADIDAS and go with NIKE, now?

For Devaney's sake! Return the red pants and bring back Nebraska guys to right the ship and re-establish our true identity!!! Folks, I am off of the Mike Riley bandwagon. I have to go in another direction and that's getting local boys to clean this mess up. Through the first 5 games we were 2-3 the worst start since 1959! Now we are at 3-5 the worst 8 game stretch since 1960!!! We were exactly 3-5 that year in 1961 we were 3-4-1.

Get Perlman out the door NOW and show Eichorst the door NOW! We need Nebraska guy's to run this program NOT lawyers, NOT outsiders!

If we're ever going to return to the stage it has to be done the proven and winning NEBRASKA WAY. This is what NEBRASKA football deserves. This is what NEBRASKA football NEEDS. This needs to happen because the fans are hopping off the bandwagon. The administration first needs to be fixed! Give the people what they need!

 

[Kernal]

Devaney and Osborne hired more Nebraska guys because that's how it was done in the era they coached. Solich retained Nebraska coaches because that's how he was. Callahan didn't. Pelini had Nebraska coaches, perhaps an attempt to test your theory, and they weren't the answer, either.

You may as well argue we construct a time machine so we can go back to the Osborne/Devaney era.

 

[Dansker]

Devaney and Osborne hired more Nebraska guys because that's how it was done in the era they coached. Solich retained Nebraska coaches because that's how he was. Callahan didn't. Pelini had Nebraska coaches, perhaps an attempt to test your theory, and they weren't the answer, either.

You may as well argue we construct a time machine so we can go back to the Osborne/Devaney era.

No, the main argument is we hired and won with Nebraska guys. Pelini did have Nebraska guys on staff and you know what? He won 9 games every year. I know most people disliked his personality, he screwed up but to trade it for what we have now? Horrible. The biggest fear is if we let this continue for 3-4 years before we wake up and realize the mistakes we've made. The program is at a disadvantage when it comes to getting talent, but in the past we made use of what we had and implemented systems that best suited our players and continued to recruit to those systems. We have not done that since Solich was fired.

 

[84HuskerLaw]

The reading on this long post was indeed a walk down memory lane but a rather harsh and brutal one. There were certainly some highlights as well as all the negative stuff that could have been mentioned. (I know the poiint was to kind of show where we were back then and how we got to where we are today). There was very little discussion in this historical perspective of recruiting and what led to the downfall of a dynasty. Frank Solich was NOT recruiting and I don't think you mentioned that when Frank out of the blue (in my opinion) abruptly fired a bunch of long time Nebraska guys (Tenopir and Darlington etal - you don't get more "Husker" than them) in an attempt to shift blame for the program's precipitous collapse from his 'non recruiting' basically. Frank was not a great playcaller and he even put for the idea that in his last season (as it turned out) he had hired Barney Cotton as offensive coordinator and to call the plays. It so happened that I sat next to Barney Cotton's barber and neighbor from Lincoln during the games. I asked him early on during that fateful last season for Frank as HC as it seemed quite remarkable that the playcalling was virtually unchanged despite someone else calling the plays. I remember my questions was "Come on now, these plays seem so much like what Frank did! Does Barney call the plays or not?" Barney's neighbor and friend replied: "Yes, Barney calls the plays but Frank tells him what to call!" Exactly as I thought. Even after Frank fired all the long term Nebraska coaches who provided the stability and legacy of Tom Osborne, Frank refused to change. It was not getting better. yes, we fired a 9 win coach who had been there for many years (a true Nebraska guy and Tom Osborne's hand picked successor) but it was because he was not getting the job done. Frank was in over his head and the primary area of failure was RECRUITING!!! After just a short half decade of dismal recruiting, Nebraska's cupboard was bare almost.

Now, it appears we find we still have inadequate talent. I believe Mike Riley has the coaching know how to win games with a team laden with top notch talent. Many experienced coaches can also. But he needs talent to execute his offense well. He needs talent to execute his defense well. He needs talent to execute in special teams. At this point, we know the talent level is at best 'average'. I think we are kidding ourselves in thinking we have anywhere close to 'top 30' level talent. I would rate our talent overall at perhaps number 55 nationally. We are barely playing at the number 65 or 70 level but some deficiency is to be expected when you consider we are in the early days of transition from Bo's schemes and playbook to the Riley schemes. Players are still learning the designs and etc.

I expect Mike Riley will coach his players well and we will win the number of games our talent level indicates we should win. Many times, the coaching legends say "It's not the X & Os but rather the Jimmys and Joes!" We all know the best teams usually win. The best coaches eventually tend to have the best teams if given the time and the resources to compete fairly. But all schools and programs are not equal. Some locations and schools have natural built in advantages. Nebraska has both advantages and disadvantages. I am sure Mike Riley believes the pros outweight the cons and he would not have come here to be a one year flop and done head coach. He believes he can do this and brought his family and many friends and associates to a whole new life in Nebraska far from Oregon's 'home' comfort. Let's give him a chance and support him. He is Nebraska's coach and needs a reasonable chance. We can't say Mike Riley lost all of these games. The team and program did. Blame can be shared by all involved from Tom Osborne to Frank Solich to Bill Callahan to Bo Pelini to Steve Pederson to Bill Byrne to Eichhorst, etc. The fans bear some of the blame too!

 

[MichiganDad3]

Great summary and well written.

 

[AFhusker]

Devaney and Osborne hired more Nebraska guys because that's how it was done in the era they coached. Solich retained Nebraska coaches because that's how he was. Callahan didn't. Pelini had Nebraska coaches, perhaps an attempt to test your theory, and they weren't the answer, either.

You may as well argue we construct a time machine so we can go back to the Osborne/Devaney era.

No, the main argument is we hired and won with Nebraska guys. Pelini did have Nebraska guys on staff and you know what? He won 9 games every year. I know most people disliked his personality, he screwed up but to trade it for what we have now? Horrible. The biggest fear is if we let this continue for 3-4 years before we wake up and realize the mistakes we've made. The program is at a disadvantage when it comes to getting talent, but in the past we made use of what we had and implemented systems that best suited our players and continued to recruit to those systems. We have not done that since Solich was fired.

That was more about Frank being handed Tom's defending NC team than anything he did. If he wasn't handed Crouch or Newcombe and handed Dailey or TA, his record would have reflected that. Not to mention all of the other athletes that he inherited. Good on him for winning with those guys and bad on him for not replacing them with better players. The "Nebraska" those of us grew up with and remember died in Boulder, Co when we lost 62-36. We have been struggling to find our identity since that day.

 

[AFhusker]

Now, it appears we find we still have inadequate talent. I believe Mike Riley has the coaching know how to win games with a team laden with top notch talent. Many experienced coaches can also. But he needs talent to execute his offense well. He needs talent to execute his defense well. He needs talent to execute in special teams. At this point, we know the talent level is at best 'average'. I think we are kidding ourselves in thinking we have anywhere close to 'top 30' level talent. I would rate our talent overall at perhaps number 55 nationally. We are barely playing at the number 65 or 70 level but some deficiency is to be expected when you consider we are in the early days of transition from Bo's schemes and playbook to the Riley schemes. Players are still learning the designs and etc.

I expect Mike Riley will coach his players well and we will win the number of games our talent level indicates we should win. Many times, the coaching legends say "It's not the X & Os but rather the Jimmys and Joes!" We all know the best teams usually win. The best coaches eventually tend to have the best teams if given the time and the resources to compete fairly. But all schools and programs are not equal. Some locations and schools have natural built in advantages. Nebraska has both advantages and disadvantages. I am sure Mike Riley believes the pros outweight the cons and he would not have come here to be a one year flop and done head coach. He believes he can do this and brought his family and many friends and associates to a whole new life in Nebraska far from Oregon's 'home' comfort. Let's give him a chance and support him. He is Nebraska's coach and needs a reasonable chance. We can't say Mike Riley lost all of these games. The team and program did. Blame can be shared by all involved from Tom Osborne to Frank Solich to Bill Callahan to Bo Pelini to Steve Pederson to Bill Byrne to Eichhorst, etc. The fans bear some of the blame too!

This hits the nail on the head. Best post I have ever seen on this board.

 

[klb835]

Im too lazy too click on all the ohio state's coaches but the 5 I clicked on were all born in Ohio. I think I clicked on Urban Meyer. Oline coach. Wr coach. Dbacks coach and someone else. I dont really care if they are "Nebraska" guys however. I do care if they come here and my first reaction is "Who the F is that" then I start raising questions. It's hard to buy into a guy with such a bad record coming in....nebraska is cool and all but it might only get him a few extra wins that he wouldnt have gotten at oregon state.

 

[The Duke]

Major props to you on such an extensive post, and walk-down memory lane. I haven't had a chance to read the entire post yet, but I promise I will later today.

I think this is a great addition to the board, and serves as a reminder to not only our current fans, but future recruits as well, as to where Nebraska came from, and why the expectations are so high here.

One area that I think you should edit in your post just to be fair to the men, is that Milt Tenopir & Dan Young were not fired by Frank Solich. They retired.

http://www.dailynebraskan.com/tenopir-young-respectfully-retire-from-nu-football/article_443ccd02-43f4-5864-ad89-d35991c29cb7.html

 

[SnowBigRed]

A pretty good staff could be assembled from those guys with Nebraska ties. I'm not saying that Nebraska needs a staff entirely with NU ties or that Riley should be fired, I'm just surprised how many guys are out there.