It's amazing how the NU fans have finally come back together over the last few weeks. Sadly it took some terrible losses to get here. I think we all support the players and hope they're able to turn it around this season.

Thank you, Stewart. We can only hope that Harvey makes the right decision. In the press conference today he certainly seemed to have his priorities in order in the upcoming AD search.

As for the all-but-certain coaching change, I would love nothing more than someone to restore that culture of power football. Those pining for the Spread offense are chasing the latest trend and need to think long term.

We (Nebraska's program and its fans) need someone that views this job as a destination, not a stepping stone, hence the appeal of Turner Gill. Here's hoping the incoming AD makes the right decision.

Stewart, I love your writing and I thank you for covering Nebraska football in a serious manner... unlike many other outlets that look at Nebraska as a laughingstock, year in and year out, you have always seen the Huskers as a great, proud program, steeped in tradition, and that tradition needs a jump-start. Firing Pederson was the right thing to do, but is letting Callahan go also the right thing to do? By all accounts, Callahan is an honest, good man, who deeply loves his players... and like Chancellor Perlman I believe Callahan to be a genuine person who loves football and can still coach. The fact is, he made bad choices on who his assistants are and how long they should stay around. Barring the arrival of a God-like coach (see Tom Osborne's younger clone) who realistically can return this program to it's historic levels? I LOVE NEBRASKA FOOTBALL, but I'm a little lost on the coaching situation. I don't want Nebraska to be like all those other schools who fire coaches every couple of years, constantly searching for the next guy. I just don't know...

Beware Husker fans. Remember OU's mistake of hiring John Blake. Watch out for "program" guys and go for the best coach out there. Things can always get worse. Good Luck.

As a Miami Hurricanes fan who had to suffer through Larry Coker reducing our once proud program to rubble, I send out my condolences to the Husker Nation. And I applaud their president for having the stones to do what our school president didn't; firing the AD responsible for creating the disaster. Sometimes it's simply necessary to clean house and start over.

Nebraska's success in the 60s-90s was what was really out of wack! There was no reason for it, other than great coaches in Devaney and Osbourne (and perhaps quicker to adopt use of steroids in the 70s). Nebraska is FINALLY where it SHOULD be. No re-load every year. Just a mix of wins and losses like everyone else. ENOUGH of this media-perpetuated need for Nebraska to return to prominance!. And all the "nicest fans in the world" cr*p needs to stop, too. Finally, they are seeing how the other half lives and they freak-out, boo and leave at halftime just like fans of other teams that struggle. It's easy to be so sportsmanship-py when you win all the time. The tragedy for Nebraskans is that they live in such a dreadfully flat and boring place that football (and women's volleyball) is all they have. I have no pity, although I do hope they have a slight rebound when they play Kansas (whose homer schedule has been criminal).

Bo Pelini's name is being heard around campus today. And, from one of those friend of a friend type source, he might be interested. He really like Lincoln, just didn't get along with Pederson. With Pederson out, that door is once again open. Man, I hope so.

This is going to KILL RECRUITING for the next few years!

Nebraska should have followed the lead of other Big 12 North schools (i.e., Colorad, Kansas State) and hired "the best man for the job" instead of the biggest name.

Look for Colorado and Kansas State to start mopping up in recruiting and leveling the imbanance between the Big 12 North and South.

Good article. NE fans can finally start to heal as the Callihan days are numbered. It's important though that we find the absolute BEST and PROVEN head coach and not just get an ex-Husker player (Gill as most mentioned).

The players seem to have quit this year. A Bowl game and several more W's probably won't happen but good things are starting to occur. Keep the faith Husker Nation!!!

SFPRMan, NU fans clapped for every team they've played in Memorial Stadium this year. Ya, that includes the Cowboys and Trojans. That's what the "nicest fans in the world" do. Why don't you go support your team instead of trying to tear another one down?

sfprman, I refuse to accept your stupid rant as anything more than sour grapes from someone who simply wishes their school could have such rich tradition. Oklahoma, Texas, Michigan, Notre Dame, Florida, Florida State, Miami, Alabama, USC, etc. Those are all schools with rich traditions and programs equal to that of Nebraska. Those programs have all had their ups and downs, and as of today some are up (USC, Oklahoma, Texas), and some are down (Notre Dame, Florida State, Miami (albeit temporary), Nebraska)... however all those "big time" schools believe their programs should consistently compete for titles and national championships. Nebraska's run during the 90's is equivalent to that of USC's run in the 00's... are you posting these same poisonous comments on USC message boards and articles discussing USC? Also, don't question Nebraska fans on their sportsmanship... no doubt you do not recall Nebraska fans accepting USC tailgaters into their tailgate parties while Missouri fans cursed and dismissed Nebraska fans who were in Missouri for the NU/MU game. Nebraska fans are the greatest in the world and just because they refuse to accept mediocrity doesn't make them any less of a fan than you, you smug ass. No doubt if your favorite school, or alma mater, was in a position to win national championships each year you wouldn't be spouting off garbage like this.

Welcome back Dr. Tom. Save us.

Husker Nation is getting exactly what they wanted. The universal power of attraction works everytime. A large number of Husker fans have been wanting the team to fail since the firing of Frank Solich. Well Husker fans you have attracted exactly what you wanted. Enjoy the bed you've just made for yourselves.

Dave, seriously... what the hell are you talking about? "A large number of Husker fans have been wanting the team to fail since the firing of Frank Solich." Huh? I'm lost as to who your source is, because this is the 2nd most absurd post I've ever read, behind sfprman's post earlier. Come on man, does that really make any sense to you???

sfprman,
Do you go to some bottom feeding school in the Sun Belt or MAC or one of the other second tier conferences?
I have had a lot of disdain for Nebraska (since 97 at least, I'm a Michigan fan who thought that you probably did deserve your half of the NC that year but still only got it because Osbourne retired) but to make your idiotic comments shows me you obviously don't know much about college football.
Nebraska has been a great team for a long time their fans have every right to be upset with the way the program has sagged recently.
And how can you possibly rag on fans that have a reputation for being the nicest. It makes me respect a school/team more to see that their fans can handle losses and victories with class.
Sfprman, Grow up and get a life.

Nebraska fans good luck with the rest of the season and in your schools efforts to turn things around.

As a football fan I think there are some basic truths that we are raised to understand as almost basic facts of nature. One of them was that Nebraska would always have a stud TB running behind a 225lb+ FB and a huge stud OL. They would then proceed to knock the snot out of lesser teams until they folded up and went back to Kansas, Missouri, Colorado or elsewhere on the plains of the great American west. I miss Nebraska running the ball 50+ times a game. I miss watching guys like Dean Steinkuler pulling out and burying some hapless LB from Oklahoma. I was raised on SEC and ACC football but it was always amazing to see the stats roll across the screen and see guys like Rozier punish and outrun defenses in the highlights. I know it would be a out of left field hire but Big Red needs to go talk to Paul Johnson at Navy. He makes Navy competitive and won multiple national championships at Ga. Southern. What could he do with the recruiting base of Nebraska and the promise of the Huskers going back to being the smashmouth bulldozers of the Big 12?

I remember winning against Nebraska in Norman shortly after Stoops came to Oklahoma. Several NU fans showed great class and said "it was nice to see Oklahoma on the rise again". Hopefully...Nebraska will have the same success as we have...we finally get to see some more of those great OU/NU games...and class Sooner fans can finally say "it is nice to see Nebraska on the rise again".

Well said everyone who rebutted sfprman. What a loser, he obviously doesn't have anything better to do than to rip another program, and thats probably because his own fave program\alma-mater doesn't give him anything to cheer about. I'm not a Nebraska fan, but I certainly have respect for the accomplishments of their program over the last 30 years. I also feel for the fans, it's painful to watch your team lose with regularity after having such an impressive run for so long. The Husker fans have every right to be upset with the state of affairs in Husker nation, and are not wrong to want better. Being a Michigan fan, I have some idea of what that feels like.So get a life sfprman, and go back to insulting your own team instead of trying to stir the pot in someone elses program.

Yeah I have to come to the defense of Nebraska and especially its fans. As a Horns fan, I've been fortunate since the advent of the Big 12 to mostly enjoy success against the Huskers. In each game, win or lose, the folks in Big Red have been classy, friendly and shown excellent sportsmanship. Nebraska fans have given the Horns a standing ovation in home and away games (e.g. when Ricky was en route to a Heisman) and the numerous people I know who have traveled to Lincoln for a game always come back raving about what good fans that program has. Real fans show class whether winning or losing. It's about the game and the enjoyment and spirit of the game, not just spewing bile and hatred like some seem to think. The Big 12 and college football in general needs Nebraska to be a powerhouse again. That's just good for the game of football. Hook em!! And to the Huskers, good luck in the search for a new AD (and presumably coach).

I agree with Subnoize.
I know its tempting to throw Callahan on the fire. As one regent said, "I don't think this lynch mob will be satisfied with only one body."
If anyone deserves to be thrown under the proverbial bus, its Coach Coz. EVERY friend I have from Wisconsin has thanked me for YEARS for taking him off their hands.
Firing Bill Callahan won't turn the season around. In fact, it might just produce a lovely 4-8 finish (and several new AA members in Husker Nation).
In short, Subnoize has it right. Get Callahan some great assistants on D, bring in Pelini 2.0, and restore the Blackshirts to what they were. If Nebraska can do that, the Huskers will be 9+ game winners every season.
I, for one, am keeping the faith.

I am happy to see that he is leaving. He wasn't popular with firing Solich in the first place. Osborn and others were seen to not be happy with him. I do wonder if it was done by Pearlman to save his own job. It was widely known that he, himself, pushed for Solich to be fired.

sfprman Why don't you shut up. First of all most people here love their team and enjoy it. After several disappointments you do things of that nature to show your displeasure. Next you know nothing of Nebraska. Most of this state isn't flat. It will only seem that way if you drive across I-80. From what you said in your post, You know nothing at all. Go back to the hole where you came from and be closet fan as you are.

I am a distant, distracted and dispassionate observer so help me out here 'Husker fans. Was this a case of a coach trying to make his players conform to his method rather than adapting his method to the talents of his players? Looks that way from a distance.

You show that the national media is not really in sync with the situation. I don't think any Nebraska fans are really clamoring for Turner to return as coach. If you wanted the real rumor du jour, it would be that we would bring back Bo Pelini. That would be the choice of the fans.

Hire Norv Turner. At least when the Huskers continue to suck, they'll have the uber-legitimate excuse.

Nebraska must realize the same thing that some old football powers (see ND) are experiencing: you're not the only show in town. 85 schollys, mega-conferences, the rise of about 50 other major schools, etc. will only keep NB an AT BEST 9-win team moving forward. The USCs, UFlas, UTs, LSUs, and more can offer alot more than just a chance to play football in the middle of nowhere (sorry to be harsh, but, it's Nebraska). You are no longer the pipeline to the NFL for running backs, OL, DL, DBs, and never were a pipeline for QBs & WRs. So the top skill players can't/won't come to NB because you don't offer them a chance to earn in their preferred profession. And if anyone says anything about the "education", PLAHEASE! You fired your AD and NOTHING about that was educationally linked. Get used to being a second fiddle program bc the glory days are just that - old and in the past!

Nebraska prepare to be in the "dark ages" for a minimum of 10 years. This is the way this stuff works. Gotta get lucky and find a guy like Bob Stoops to pull you out of your misery.

Guess what Husker fans. You now have a shot to hire a guy you could have had a few years ago. Bo Pelini from LSU. He will bring back the feared black shirts, and respectability. As an LSU fan I hate to see him go, but he is a guy who is ready, and deserves it. Trust me, it would be a wise choice.

The Huskers ARE a laughingstock. The days of Nebraska being a national powerhouse are gone. This program is going to be above average at best.

ok the huskers are moving foward now, but whats next. I think hiring Bo Pelini would be the best choice. I mean look at LSU's Defense. As for Callahan, i like the westcoast offense hes running; just not the way hes running it LOL.

As a Razorback fan (y'all heard of the problems we currently have) and living in NE Kansas, I am surrounded by KU, KSU, and NU Fans.
When I read the SFPRMAN's post, I knew he was either a KSU fan or had never been around Husker fans.
For all the Nebraska fans have had to endure the past few years, all of those I am around have been the first to admit NU football has really fallen and have made no excuses for the losses unlike KSU and OU fans. Nebraska football has been one of the elite programs for many years and I hope the changes they are now making get them back to that position. Nebraska is Football!!!!

subnoize-- I agree. I have met some Nebraska fans and they all seemed to be great people that wanted to have a good time and watch good football. Being a Michigan fan, I know about less than desirable situations with football...but I'm sure Nebraska will come around. I have been to the last three Rose Bowls Michigan played in (04,05,07) and met USC and Texas fans at those games. USC fans are terrible. Texas fans were great. But the Nebraska fans I met were really the coolest I have met...besides other Michigan fans of course. Best wishes to Husker nation. I would love to see the Huskers go back to that option attack.

sorry Nebraska fans, our Bo won't be on your sideline next year. After Les departs for Michigan, he knows he is in line for LSU. we always choose defense over offense.

1) I miss power football so much! In this day and age though, it's very hard to recruit to that offense. Every kid wants to play in a pro-style offense to groom them for the NFL. Bummer. I really miss power football!
2) I hope Dr. Tom is invited and accepts the position of interim athletich director. It will take someone at his level of respect to remove the stench around the former AD's legacy and make quality coaches willing to consider NU if a change is made.
3) With the 85 scholarship limit, schools everywhere on TV, and the pull of great climate taking or keeping kids south, it will be very difficult to return to the glory of a different era. We might have to make peace with that. We don't have the pull of a place like Notre Dame or the population base of a place like Ohio State. A lot of things are stacked against us returning to that kind of dominance.
4) From what I've heard, Bill Callahan is a sincere and good man. Thanks to Pedersen, he's also a rich one! I'm not sure he's a college head coach. I wish him well, wherever he is, including Lincoln, next year.
5) Go Big Red!

To the one blogger that dissed Gill, many of us think Gill would be a wonderful head coaching choice. Bo Pelini is a good coach too, but his "style" is uncharacteristic of the example that Osborne set. I am not willing to sacrifice integrity, character and professionalism because I know we can have all those things in our coaches, players and program AND win. Pelini's tirad after the Kansas State game was an embarrassing.

To the one blogger that dissed Gill, many of us think Gill would be a wonderful head coaching choice. Bo Pelini is a good coach too, but his "style" is uncharacteristic of the example that Osborne set. I am not willing to sacrifice integrity, character and professionalism because I know we can have all those things in our coaches, players and program AND win. Pelini's tirad after the Kansas State game was an embarrassing.

Nebraska will be back with or without Callihan. As a side note, their fans are the best ever from an Oklahoma State fan.

Let me first state that I'm not a Nebraska fan. However, I do believe Calahan is the right man for the job. He has opened up that offense which is what Nebraska needed to stay competitive in the future. On the other hand, he needs a defensive coordinator and/or defensive players who can get the job done. Something is definitely wrong on that side of the ball. Nebraska used to be tougher than that on defense and that is how they used to win games. If they hire and fire too quickly, I feel Nebraska may be risking a lot more. But, if they follow the Alabama model, they may get what they want in the end. Good luck Nebraska!

Callahan, sorry for the mispell. NCAA footbal is not the same without NEB being in the running.

You left out of the article what many people are reporting is that Dave Remington is being groomed to be the permanent AD, and that Tom Osborne is just coming in temporarily (a year or two) to oversee hiring the football coach.

I love Gill, and he is a Nebraska boy, but I'm rooting for Pelini. Ideally I'd love to see Pelini as the head coach, and Gill as the offensive coordinator. If Pelini does well, he will get a head coaching offer in the NFL, and I don't expect him to stick around forever. Gill still has to prove himself a bit, and he might be able to learn a bit from Pelini.

However, I'm worried Carr will leave, Miles will go to Michigan, and that Pelini will become the LSU coach.

I'm all for hiring a coach like Turner Gill to bring smashmouth football back to Lincoln where it rightfully belongs. However, how about putting the emphasis on defense and going after a man who the defense playing like it should every Saturday and get Bo Pelini (if LSU will let him go). Just seems like a nice fit to me.

Congrats to NU. They have a right to clean house. However, I wonder if the self-rightewous media types will trash them for having the gall to try and bring their program back to elite status. Remember Alabama last year? Get ready for the Haters to come out NU......then ignore them. Go Huskers/Roll Tide.

As a Northwestern fan, who watched the painful mauling of my Wildcats by the Frank Solich - led Huskers 66-17 in the 2001 Alamo Bowl , I simply do not recognize the current Nebraska program.

I thought that it was very puzzling that the former Coach of the Oakland Raiders would be hired to run a proud program. Folks, the West coast offense is garbage. Nebraska is a program that should just run all over people. All the time. And also, they had a vicious blackshirt defense.

One thing about Nebraska that I like is that it's a classy program. You guys will be back on top as soon as you clear all the Callahan players out.

I find this whole scenario hilarious. After growing up in Iowa and living next door to so many NU fans, I have a true sense of their sportsmanship. It's great when they are winning, and horrible when they loose. Not only do they expect to win, they feel like it is their god given right. All this "Restore the order of the BIG 12" BS. Like they belong at the top just because they wear the red and white. I have been to several NU games in Lincoln and have seen first hand how may of the fans cheer when opposing players are hurt. And as far as that "Joke" you have of cheering the other team when they leave the field after a game. I see the fans do it after a 50 point victory, but I did not see them cheering OSU as they left the field last weekend! Of course not. Their true colors are now showing. You don't see ISU, Kansas or Missouri fans leaving the game after the third quarter just becasue they are on the wrong side of the scoring margin. Don't get me wrong, Osborne was a great coach, and I admired the way he coached and what he stood for. But those times don't last forever. They should have kept Solich, what team in it's right mind fires a coach after a 9-3 season? I'll tell you what team, the NU team that thinks it is it's god given right to play for a national championship every year. Which, by the way, doesn't happen to any team. So enjoy you're run at the bottom of the BIG 12. Enjoy you're loosing record at the end of this season and for several more seasons to come. You have become you're own worst enemy by hiring Callahan, an experiment by the way that has now put you're program at least five years away from another winning season. Have fun trying to fill you're stadium and sustaining you're sell-out record, which will end. Have fun trying to get the Alums to contribute more money next season. And have a good time trying to get the few recruits that you had back in the saddle. I'll tell you,the one's I feel most sorry for is the players. Who bought all of this hook line and sinker and now have nothing to show for it. And please don't respond to this by saying that I am just saying this because I am a Hawkeye or Cyclone fan, that one won't work. I know because I see it first hand.

I'll never understand Pederson's love affair with throwing the ball. Instead of growing local line talent,walk ons, and a few speed guys.. the coach's had to go out and find big recruits in every skill position. If you look at the guys coming in (if they still come in) Callahan was doing a good job, but it just isn't Husker ball. Everyone knows we need to go back to running the ball. What was wrong with that? Now, everyone just has to hope we can get some of the kids that really want to play Nebraska Football.

IOWA is an acronym for Idiots Out Wandering Around. Jus havin a little fun now...... :)

I hope Frank Solich feels some vindication today. I really felt that the way he was treated was terrible, after all the time he put in at Nebraska. He's got a few issues now that make me somewhat glad that he's not the coach anymore, but he worked hard as head coach and as Osbourne's assistant.

I hope Callahan is out the door after the Colorado game (I assume no bowl game this year, but I could be wrong). His bullheaded west coast offense has just taken Nebraska's offense from one extreme to another. You can't completely abandon the run, nor can you do it all the time.

This was pretty surprising at least the timing is. What I suggest to NU (and I offer this free of charge) is to go ahead and fire Callahan or at least make it clear that he will be fired.

Take a look at available, out of work coaches during the season (off the top of my head no one comes to mind however) then after the season is over, look at established head coaches and top flight assistants/coordinators. Do not be afraid to go to the NFL for an assistant either.

As for Turner Gill, I am not sure you want to turn NU football over to a guy with very little head coaching experience.

As for the "local" talent: Gill was not local unless you have a broad definition of local. (Gill was from Fort Worth, TX). How many Nebraska skill position players were Nebraska natives?

I do recall NU having some pretty good wide receivers even in the option years. (Rodgers and Fryar come to mind).

While so many seem to be calling for a return to "smash mouth" football, I think you should open your eyes and accept that the future involves an offense that throws the ball more than 5 times a game. Defenses are too good and too fast.

My impression of the West Coast offense (I am not even sure what that is anymore) is that it relies on athletes who can make reads and adjustments and excellent timing. Something that is hard to find in college with its limited practice time (unlike the NFL).

Here is my short list of candidates:

Charlie Strong (DC at South Carolina)
Bo Pellini (depends on what Les Miles does and/or what Michigan does with Carr).
Heck, make overtures to Jim Leavitt (I doubt he would leave USF, but if you like coaches with PhD's (he is close) then he is about the only one out there).
Give David Cutcliffe a call (this man deserves another shot at a head coaching job)
Jim Grobe

Bill Cowher anyone?? I know this has no chance of happening but as a longtime Steeler fan and Husker fan that would be soo awesome

I think Husker Nation said it best at the end of the '03 Alamo Bowl, "We want Bo! We want Bo!..."

I really find it hard to read some of the people's posts regarding how Nebraska is getting what it deserves. I don't understand this line of thinking... Nebraska, Texas, and Oklahoma MADE the Big 12 what it is... Iowa State, Kansas, Missouri, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, etc. all need to be EXTREMELY thankful that Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas even exist, or else those schools wouldn't be involved in the level of football they are. Sad, maybe for non OU, UT, NEB fans, but true. The bottom line is that Nebraska football has a history of being dominant and just because we routed your team, or because we put up 70 points on you at home, on your homecoming, during our championship years, doesn't mean you should bash this historically strong program. Nebraska ranks 3rd all time in total wins behind Michigan and Notre Dame (Texas is creeping up wayyyyyy close)... how is that a program that should simply sit back and let itself mire in despair? It may SEEM like Nebraska fans feel it's their God-given right to win, but the TRUTH is Nebraska fans simply expect their team to be competitive. If the teams are competitiv and "leave it all on the field", I see no reason why Nebraska fans wouldn't accept a 6-6 season... if it means playing superior opponents. However, face the music, only Oklahoma and Texas have talent, facilities, and history equal to that of Nebraska, so those are the only two teams Nebraska should ever have a "problem" with. Bottom line...

Nebraska should go back to running the ball and option football. Hire Paul Johnson. He's a classy guy and a proven winner. With the athletes he could bring to Nebraska for his system, they'd be a powerhouse.

I saw and heard NU fans applauding OSU players after the game and not that many fans left the game before it was over. Class program all the way.

If you want a good coach, I would bet (har har) on Rick Neuheisel. Seriously, if he is available, that would be a good pick IMO. George O'Leary would be great as well.

God no to both of those suggestions!!! It needs to be someone that has ties to the Nebraska way of life, tradition of Nebraska football and understands why Nebraska football meant so much to the residents of the state. Someone like Joe Glenn University of Wyoming coach who’s turned that program around with no talent at all. Bo Pelini would be a dream pick up ... might become another Bob Stoops but I don't see how realistic that would be. Turner Gill is turning the Buffalo program around but I think he needs a few more years. After this big screw up, Nebraska can't afford to make any mistakes or its 10 years of misery! Remember, if Callahan is fired, Nebraska has to buy out his contract and they couldn't afford to do that again!

Let's be honest, this is NOT the Nebraska football that we have come to know. We do have high expectations of the football program. But NU football has been a powerhouse for so long, that's the only thing we know. Where is the running game? Where are the Blackshirts? The defense should be wearing pink with the way that they have been playing lately. They made the biggest mistake ever when they let Bo Pelini go!

I think a couple of people commenting on here had a good idea. They said that maybe firing Callahan wasn't the best thing to do. The best thing to do would be to fire Cosgrove (right now, not the end of the season) and hire Bo Polini as the defensive coordinator. This would be the best thing. However, as Bo may be offered a head job at LSU the only way to have a chance at landing him in NU would be to fire Callahan and offer Polini the head job. Defense over offense. That is how it should be and the real problem with the Callahan hire is that they hired Offense over Defense.

If Nebraska was once famous for its power offense, running the option to perfection, why not go with the coach who has plenty of experience doing just that? Paul Johnson at Navy has been running a fantastic option based offense with sub-par football players for years. I'm not trying to insult Navy (I'm an ex-squid myself), but they're not exactly attracting Tim Tebow or Reggie Bush last I looked. Paul Johnson would be an intriguing choice for the Big Red, and with a good def. coordinator, might just be able to give Nebraska what it needs

As a 30 year huskerfn it does make me sad to see them like this (especially the defense), but it is the cycle of college football. Like someone else said earlier, every program goes though good times and bad times. Texas was good in the 70's, Ok had the 80's, Neb had the 90's. Teams like USC, Mich and Notre Dame, Miami, FSU have/are going through the same things. Neb will be on top again, its just a matter of time. As a real fan, one must cheer during the bad time as much/more than the good times. I love reading all of the anti-Neb blogs, they just illustrate how dominate Neb was in the 90's.

Well, Nebraska, you could always hire Nick Satan......I mean Nick Saban away from Alabama for a $1 more but then he will dump your program also for a $1 more!!!

Well, Nebraska, you could always hire Nick Satan......I mean Nick Saban away from Alabama for a $1 more but then he will dump your program also for a $1 more!!!

DO YOU PEOPLE SERIOUSLY THINK BO PELENI WOULD COME HERE AND BE CALLAHANS DC???? ARE YOU THAT NAIVE???? OMG NO!!!!! He would only come here as head coach. And for you other Husker fans that want T.O. to be your AD ... think again! He's not the type of guy that comes in and cleans house. It goes against his nature and his faith. If he became the AD, look to having Callahan here next year with a new DC.

I'm probably the only one here to actually think the firing of Solich was not a mistake. Nebraska needed to bring it's offense into the 21st century ( remember the rose bowl against miami? ) In this era of spread offenses, Nebraska needed to at least change it's offense in order to bring in the top recruits. How is Neb going to land some of the top WRs if they never pass? or a Top QB if all he does is run the option? In an era when you can fall behind by 14 points easily--you can't run the option and expect to get back into the game.
That said, Calahan was NOT the right man for the job. But I give Pederson credit for having the courage to break with tradition and take the steps to keep Nebraska Football relevant. Look what's happened with Penn State, they looked to be on the decline and JoePa on his way out until he hired Galen Hall, opened up the offense, landed some top notch recruits.

The point is, Nebraska will be back once they get the right fit in Lincoln. Forget about the "big name" go for someone that is a fit to the program but also brings a proven record of winning at the colliegent level.

I seem to remember a lot of Nebraska fans calling for Solich's head before he was fired leading to the hiring of Callahan that made me laugh. Now they are talking like he never should have been fired. How soon they forget.

Sam Dawg.

This was pretty surprising at least the timing is. What I suggest to NU (and I offer this free of charge) is to go ahead and fire Callahan or at least make it clear that he will be fired.

Not surprising in the least.

Take a look at available, out of work coaches during the season (off the top of my head no one comes to mind however) then after the season is over, look at established head coaches and top flight assistants/coordinators. Do not be afraid to go to the NFL for an assistant either.

Going to the NFL is what got Nebraska where they are.

As for Turner Gill, I am not sure you want to turn NU football over to a guy with very little head coaching experience.

Gill's been around. With just one example I can blow that theory out. How much experience did Petersen have before becoming HC at Boise St?

As for the "local" talent: Gill was not local unless you have a broad definition of local. (Gill was from Fort Worth, TX). How many Nebraska skill position players were Nebraska natives?

You'd be surprised what you can go and get from a few other states.


While so many seem to be calling for a return to "smash mouth" football, I think you should open your eyes and accept that the future involves an offense that throws the ball more than 5 times a game. Defenses are too good and too fast.

Are you calling the defenses of FSU '93, Miami '94, Florida '96, and Tenn '97 slow? Name a game when the starter threw less than 15 times under Osborne.

My impression of the West Coast offense (I am not even sure what that is anymore) is that it relies on athletes who can make reads and adjustments and excellent timing. Something that is hard to find in college with its limited practice time (unlike the NFL).

True

Here is my short list of candidates:

Charlie Strong (DC at South Carolina)
DC at Florida now, not SC. NU doesn't need a HC who was a former DC. HC who are former DCs have to replace their OCs, on average, every 3 years.


Bo Pellini (depends on what Les Miles does and/or what Michigan does with Carr).
See above. Add in the fact that he will one day jump to the NFL.

Heck, make overtures to Jim Leavitt (I doubt he would leave USF, but if you like coaches with PhD's (he is close) then he is about the only one out there).
Twelve years ago South Florida had no football program. They hired Leavitt and have gone from D1-AA to #2 in the nation. South Florida also now has the largest enrollment of all Florida schools. It's the house that Leavitt built. He's not going anywhere.

Give David Cutcliffe a call (this man deserves another shot at a head coaching job)
Wow, talk about a cookiecutter dud.

Jim Grobe
Grobe has a lot of positives but he's an extremely conservative coach. Plus the Alumni are forking it out big time now, million dollar upgrades to facilities and the stadium started in the spring. In other words, the house that Grobe built.

Well, coming from an Alabama fan, I'm all too familiar with a once-dominant program falling on hard times. Be careful Husker fans, this next hire will determine your fate for years to come. Your program can be on top of the world, and then turn the reigns over to the wrong guy and - poof! - you're a laughingstock. In '96, Bama was a Top 10 program four years removed from a National Title. But from '97-'06 we suffered arguably our worst 10-year stretch ever.

I respect NU football and want to see you guys back. Get rid of Callahan THIS YEAR. And when you hire a new coach, pony up the dough and save your program like we did in hiring Saban. Don't just get a NU guy with ties or try to hire someone on the cheap just because you're Nebraska and you think they'll take it. That held us back for years. Go buy a coach. Who cares what everyone else says? You get what you pay for. And NU has the money to pay whoever they want to.

But be patient. Callahan has recruited well, but if you're going to return to a power game, it's going to take 5+ years for it to get rolling.

This is a step in the right direction though. Cutting ties with Callahan is the next one. It's a long way until December/January, so I wouldn't worry too much over who's available now. You guys should get a top guy.

Good luck!

OK now ...
1. To IowaBoy: It's spelled "your" and not "you're." YOUR rant started throwing me off with all the misspelled words. (I knew there was a reason it was more fun to whip Iowa than any other school.)
2. It was correct to get rid of Frank Solich, although it was done in a rough manner. Under Solich, recruiting was taking a nosedive and there was little, if any, innovation.
3. Nebraska, nor any other college football program, won't be able to "smashmouth" their way to 10-2 seasons every year. Good defenses can easily handle offenses that are 75 percent run. Smashmouth may have worked in the past, but it won't now or in the future because defenses are too good and defensive coaches are too smart these days. (That doesn't mean we can't throw in an option or quarterback draw now and then. Unfortunately Nebraska's West Coast offense hasn't had a mobile quarterback.)
4. Despite the rhetoric from some Nebraska fans, the Huskers cannot succeed with a majority of home-grown players. There simply are not near enough in a sparsely-populated state to do so. Callihan and his staff have pulled off some recruiting coups. The problem is that they're being overcoached.
5. The kind of coach who would do well at Nebraska (or anywhere) is a young college guy with an inventive mind and who can get dynamic assistants and athletes. Urban Meyer comes to mind. Nebraska could have made a run at him in 2003. Jeff Tedford is another, but why would he leave Cal for Nebraska? Would Bobby Petrino leave the Falcons and get back into the college ranks? He would be a good catch. Colorado got a good coach in Hawkins and K-State got a good one in Prince. I believe Turner Gill would be a decent fit at Nebraska. Bo Pelini is a great coach, but his personality isn't all that engaging. Barry Alvarez might be interested in the AD job. Whatever happens, there won't be any gimmes (except Iowa State and Baylor) because every other program in the Big 12 is either on solid ground or improving.

There should be changes made. But if it is going to be a coaching change, what about the top recruits that are supposed to come to Nebraska. Are any of them thinking about changing there mind? One of the top senior QB's in the nation, Blaine Gabbert looks like a star in the making. I would hate for Nebraska to lose him.

This is the greatest decision Pearlman and the board could have made to help advance athletics and specifically football at NU. Pederson was stuck in a rut after making Callahan out to be the greatest thing since sliced bread. He passed on great coaches such as Bo Pelini to hire a name, a name with really no quality coaching experience. Callahan has only managed to do to Nebraska what he did to Oakland and take a team built by an excellent group of coaches (Gruden, Osborne, Pelini, and Solich) and turn them into a pathetic excuse for mediocrity. This current Nebraska team has talent, I have seen it Purify, Lucky, Castille, Hardy, Keller, Bowman, Grixby, Asante, Octavien, Ruud, Suh, McKewon, Swift, Nunn, Kunalic, and many others. The only thing I don't see is true heart in any one of the coaches on the sideline. When a player screws up they should be chewed out, not patted on the back and told next time. It is time for this entire coaching staff to grow some balls and get pissed about this situation or reside to the fact that their carriers at Nebraska are over! As for the players, they need to get some of that old Nebraska fire running through their veins, I know they have the talent!

Solich is a good coach who waited too long to change some driftwood in his staff.

It doesn't matter what kind of offense you run - the option was a lot more complicated than most people think - there are advantages and disadvantages. So what if we can't bring a top-flight QB to NU by running the option. We wouldn't need one, we would need a top-flight option QB. And top-flight option QBs at the high school level don't have very many places to go.

The spread offense can put up Nintendo numbers. No problem with that. But for every Heisman winner from a spread offense, there are ten QBs from different systems starting in the NFL.

And skill position players from Nebraska? Ahman Green would be a good person to ask. See if you can reach him at the Pro Bowl.

All the recruiting obstacles Nebraska faces were there in the 60's, 70's, 80's, and 90's. We did ok then, and we do ok now.

Nebraska fans made a mistake. They booed the coaches, and the players took it personally. When the Husker fans realized this, they didn't boo. Very little negative noise occurred during the OSU game. If you were there you would know that. Did people leave? Sure. We are only human. But we want a certain level of effort, and that level of effort was not put forth by every player we put on the field. And that was very sad.

I wouldn't mind if Callaghan stuck around. Cosgrove seems to have trouble putting together an effective defensive scheme - three or four times a year we just scratch our heads and say, "What the heck?" I'd like to see someone a little more aggressive in there.

Nebraska fans were spoiled by 30+ years of dominance, topped by the last five years, when Osborne was probably the best college coach in the US. Yes, we expect to win. But if you don't expect to win, you won't.

All this focus on "winning" is, in the opinion of this native Nebraskan, ill-conceived. For the most part, Dr. Tom ran a super classy program, sometimes to the detriment of his record as a coach (Osborne could have had at least one more national title to his name). The next AD and Head Coach should pursue the true virtues of sportsmanship and excellence on the field, the winning will take care of itself.

Subnoize wrote "The fact is, he (Callahan) made bad choices on who his assistants are and how long they should stay around."

That is EXACTLY what led to the decay in Solich's tenure. Once he was forced to make changes there was a marked improvement in one year. Maybe subnoize thinks Callahan could do the same?

But why hang on to a coach who needs to be told when it's (past) time to let some guys go? And who'll be the person designated to bird-dog the coach on those decisions?

Two years of modest improvements after an atrocious first year is acceptable. These are all Callahan's players now, though, and a larger improvement needed to be seen this season. The team has regressed, however, to where it's not likely to win another game all year. When is the last time Nebraska lost seven consecutive games?

In today's D-I landscape Husker fans can't expect the program to be what it was in the '90s. We can, however, expect to be competitive with more than just Baylor and Iowa State.

At the end of the year it will be time for a new coach. This time, Husker fans, let's hope it's done in a classier, less arrogant manner by whomever is in position to make the decision.

Interesting, that this so-called "sfprman" is so negative and ugly. Must me one of those gastly Missouri morons with a chip on the shoulder. They are the only group of football fans that have become known as "sore winners."

I have watched the national football scene for 45 years now and find that no matter where you go, other than Missouri, people apprecitate the excellence of other teams.

I feel very sorry for you sprfman for your obvious case of "ainta gotta clue.""

Huskerfaninmissouri

Everyone can forget about Bo Pellini becoming the next Head Coach at Nebraska. Nebraska's former and current Texas A&M AD Bill Byrne will hire Coach Pellini to turn around an Aggie program after Coach Fran has run it right into mediocrity.

I'm sure Dr. Tom will right the ship now. I guess the rumors are correct. Osborn is the new interm AD at NU.

Good call. A man of great respect of the fan base and boosters.

He'll find the right coach for the job not a big name.

I'm still dumb founded at how Pederson didn't know the history of how many teams have failed at attempting to install a West Coast offence and soley focusing on recruiting with little emphasis on coaching. We could see the fist two years that NU was going to have a long road ahead of them when they make basic errors they have. Errors like how to block, tackle, & that staff was very good at blaming the players.

Well hopefully this is a step in the right direction. Since Osborne left we have rarely seen that confidence or swagger on the sidelines either from our players or coaches.
You would think that Cosgrove would figure out the spread offense after playing against it for 5 weeks. Get rid of him find someone that has a defensive mentality and who lets you know that you screwed up (think McBride never raised his voice).
You know keep Callahan on the staff, as recruiter, we know he cant coach or call plays.

Hopefully with appointing Osborne as AD will bring some credibility to the program and Great coaches will want to come here.....obviously they all saw something in Pederson that took us 5 years to.

What about Norm Chow? A PHD and one of the best offensive minds in the country. I'm not a Husker but I've often wondered why he's never had a shot at a HC job.

clikonhusker, I understand your feelings about keeping it within the family. But this is also following what Alabama had done for years. A lot of the previous Alabama coaches had ties to The Bear. Now, I'm not saying that a good coach with Nebraska ties isn't out there, but be careful with this line of thinking. What should be of importance is a coach that could deliver the most wins with what he has to work with.

Osborne has a wager with Bill Byrne on the Husker vs A&M game Saturday. Loser gets first dibs on Pellini.

And if we have Cosgrove on the sidelines Saturday, I feel pretty confident in the husker's chances of landing Pellini.

to:Husker55

Gimmies? Are you kidding me? NU has no more gimmies. This is not golf. Ball State was supposed to be a "Gimmie" and they put up 40 points on YOUR dreaded "Black Shirts"! NU beat them by one point! I would take the so called "Black Shirts" away until they can actually earn them!

And as far as you're next coaching search goes. What coach would want to coach at NU? You folks have ridiculous expectations. The only coach I see that might be interested is one who has played for NU. Maybe Gill if you're lucky.

You know there was a reason that coach Callahan was you're fourth choice a few years ago. It's not exactly like coaches were beating down the doors in Lincoln to get that job! Think about it. I know all of you in Husker Land think it would be the best job in the world.
But most everyone outside of Nebraska would not want it. It's funny how you can't even begin to comprehend why people don't like Nebraska football.

The only problem with nebraska football is that it's in Nebraska. Location and recruiting opportunities are always on the minds of coaches, and the location and what there is to do in the state outside of football must worry them. I'm from Missouri and live in Lincoln and I can tell you firsthand that many of the locals and even the players are bored when football season is gone.

So it's not a matter of what's wrong with the program, it's a matter of location. And with Osborne at AD, I'm sure coaches will consider working here just to glean from him how coaching in Nebraska should be done. The West Coast offense can be run here, it just takes a coach to teach it. You can have all the plays in the world, but if the coach and players don't believe in it or isn't fired up about it, forget it. Not happening.

As a lifelong Georgia fan who now lives in Omaha, I don't think anyone can flout the title of "nicest fans" without accepting that we all have some cocky, mean-spirited douchebags in our ranks. We southerners like to harp on our "genteel" nature, our flowers of southern womanhood and our sweet tea, and then you see Alabama fans throwing cups and pom-poms at Georgia players celebrating a thrilling OT win in Tuscaloosa. A few weeks later, you see Georgia players looking just as guilty trying to stomp on the Vandy logo after a win(props to Coach Richt for the way he got his players off the field, then apologized to Bobby Johnson for it- that's class). Every fan base has their "black eyes," those people who are just hateful to fans of other teams. I saw Husker fans earlier this week swearing they were done watching NU football until changes were made, and saw Husker fans next to them just looking fustrated. Remember, HALF the stadium was empty by the fourth quarter. There were still some quality, dyed-in-the-wool fans there rooting for their team to at least make it look respectable. The point is, you have to take the good with the bad, because we've seen to many examples recently to be able to ignore the bad.