Count me as disappointed over Bo Pelini’s dismissal at Nebraska. I still think he’s an excellent coach, even if he didn’t get Nebraska where Husker fans want the program to be. And I think we’re more likely to be disappointed by what’s next than we are to be pleased.
But right or wrong, the decision has been made.
I’m not worried about Bo. He’s am excellent coach and will have success elsewhere.
I am worried about the players. You can tell from the initial reactions that the team loved their coach by their shock and disappointment. The next Nebraska coach has HUGE shoes to fill. Bill Callahan couldn’t match Frank Solich or Pelini in terms of dealing with college athletes both on and off the field, and the next coach will have to deal with a very disappointed team.
So who is the next coach? I have a few names I’d consider and who shouldn’t. Let’s start with the NOT’s:
Scott Frost (lack of experience), Jim McElwain (nowhere enough experience), Jim Tressel (legacy of NCAA violations everywhere he’s been).
So who to consider? Start with Minnesota’s Jerry Kill. Proven winner everywhere who could be huge at a school with Nebraska’s prestige and resources. Maybe take flier on Art Briles or Gary Patterson, though it’s unlikely that they’d leave the state of Texas.
If Bo Pelini’s nine wins aren’t good enough, Nebraska must think big. That means Nebraska must be prepared to spend big money on the next coach. A proven winner might cost $6 million a year or more. Treat this hire like Alabama did when they hired Nick Saban. Make big names say no, and make it very difficult to say no.
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