I just love Mike Riley. I love how positive and upbeat he is. I love how no matter what he's doing, he seems to enjoy it. I love how no matter who he's talking to or about, it's clear he cares. I love the way he interacts with the players, other coaches, staff, media, etc. I love how excited he and the other coaches are to be here and how that seems to rub off on the players. He just f'n gets it. Football is a game, not brain surgery, so don't make it too complicated. Football is a sport, not life, so keep it fun. These kids are college students, not professionals, so make it a positive experience. The fans are there to support you and root for you, so don't make them enemies. The media is there to report on things that interest people and will sell papers, not to harass you, so don't make them enemies either.
Given all of that, I think I would love having him as our head coach regardless. But having him immediately after the dark specter that was our former head coach who shall not be named, it's incredibly refreshing. I don't care if we win 9 games this season. Hell, I barely care if we win 3. They don't even have to keep score and I might not give a crap. It's enough that we finally have our team back.
OUR TEAM. We're all united in this thing...all pulling in the same direction and fighting for the same things. These are our values.
They say that a change in culture only comes about when a leader and a team truly believe in what they purport to believe and live those beliefs through their actions. I believe that Riley and this staff genuinely believe in the same values that Nebraska fans do. The culture has changed. Football is fun again. We have a program we can be proud of again. And I can't wait for the season to start.
GO BIG RED!