The Mike Riley Presser

[alexhortdog95]

For a guy who is so well respected around coaching and media circles, he knows NOBODY on the staff?

That struck me as odd, too. You'd think he'd have a pretty full Rolodex by now.

Yeah...I think he has been pretty isolated...but it still something that kind of bugs me a bit...1. Really well respected but might not know a lot of guys

2. Might be bringing most/all of his old staff

3. Offense is a hodgepodge/multiple

Not the end of the world but just things that kind of made me go "hmmmm"

He's been here a single day folks. Give him some time....he's got plenty of it.

Thats just it...he doesn't have plenty of time. He is starting recruiting today, he said...time is up.

Exactly. He doesn't have plenty of time, he needs to get to work yesterday.

I,agree with you about all of your concerns.

I was expecting him to win the press conference, but I wasn't impressed.

I said last night that this hire seemed very callahanesque, after hearing this press conference and everything about this guy, he seems more Doc Sadler to me.

Wow. Just Wow.

You guys need to let him take care of business. He's got 40 more years experience than you and he knows what he's doing.

He'll get his shot, but there is work to be done, little time to do it.

The guy gets props for me for being the guy that drafted Drew Brees into the NFL.

He also gets props from me for signing a beast like Steven Jackson.

Also - for those of you that are wondering why Eichorst hired this guy:

Randy York’s N-Sider


Two years ago, when Wisconsin Director of Athletics Barry Alvarez was in search of a new Badger head football coach, the former Nebraska All-Big Eight Conference linebacker had Mike Riley on his short list. “I wanted Mike to talk with me about our job, but he wasn’t interested in leaving Oregon State,” Alvarez told me in a telephone conversation Thursday afternoon. Alvarez didn’t take the rejection personally “because I knew how many great jobs Mike’s turned down in the past,” he said. "Mike is really well thought of in our business. He’s one of the good guys in college athletics. He comes from a great background, has a really good offensive mind, and runs a very good program. I think he’ll be a great fit at Nebraska.”

 

[tattooedhusker]

For a guy who is so well respected around coaching and media circles, he knows NOBODY on the staff?

That struck me as odd, too. You'd think he'd have a pretty full Rolodex by now.

Yeah...I think he has been pretty isolated...but it still something that kind of bugs me a bit...1. Really well respected but might not know a lot of guys

2. Might be bringing most/all of his old staff

3. Offense is a hodgepodge/multiple

Not the end of the world but just things that kind of made me go "hmmmm"

He's been here a single day folks. Give him some time....he's got plenty of it.

Thats just it...he doesn't have plenty of time. He is starting recruiting today, he said...time is up.

Exactly. He doesn't have plenty of time, he needs to get to work yesterday.

I,agree with you about all of your concerns.

I was expecting him to win the press conference, but I wasn't impressed.

I said last night that this hire seemed very callahanesque, after hearing this press conference and everything about this guy, he seems more Doc Sadler to me.

Given the negativity you have had over this hire in general, your comments are not surprising.

It's funny that our previous staff got killed for having a Hodge podge offense with no identity, yet this guy gets a pass.

If he brings the majority of his staff from OSU, if his record is any indication of their ability, then we shouldn't expect much better than what we've had the past 15 years.

I think that those are real concerns.

Aren't you supposed to be packing your bags for your trip to Manhattan?

 

[admo]

Regarding bowl game "won't be coaching, but will have fun being a fan watching.."

Regarding who assistant names might be "I'd rather not mention at this time. Some of them don't even know it yet"

Regarding the plan "staffing, recruiting, moving fast..."

Regarding Husker tradition and what he knows about Nebraska "What I've seen on TV. Was on the field as a player when Johnny Rodgers was running wild on Bama. Received a call when he was coaching in Canada "Hi Mike, it's Tom Osborne"...also has Tom's book on his bookshelf and refers to it. Also very high on walkons and their importance...Embraces it. Gave interesting examples of what they are capable of.

What I also took from it was that he was genuine and spoke clearly and honestly. Never used the word "things" repeatedly as a description. So in that little regard, it makes it easier to actually understand what he means. And he answered the questions that were asked with the same demeanor, the difficult ones or not.

Very good start IMO for Coach Mike Riley

 

[gtsum2]

new coach seemed a bit nervous at first, but who wouldn't be? I think he did well, and hopefully he brings in a quality coaching team...I am sure some from the Beavers come, but hopefully he goes outside to other contacts as well

 

[74Hunter]

These are just my raw emotions. Please, don't flame.

I feel like Eichorst just hired a guy that is un-fireable due to his niceness. Like, he's fire-proof.

This feels like an admission that domination on the field is a thing of the past, and the only thing left to cling to is some kind of ethereal spirit of Tom Osborne's "niceness." It was like Riley forced himself to say "...and win championships, too" in the presser.

For the record, Mike - The booster illuminati will eat you alive, one way or the other. <---Those are not MY feelings towards Mike, but is the reality of the situation if he doesn't win conference titles.

I think he is stepping into a pretty difficult situation. We fired a guy who won 9+ games each year and had people on both sides of the issue. The Callahan/Pelini transition went much easier because almost everyone was done with BC. This transition will be a little tougher because there were still strong supporters of Bo....perception.The hire was nothing anyone thought so of course people are going to be nervous about this hire.

The more I keep reading and hearing about this cat, I am pretty excited. I have to disagree with you that he will be eaten alive by the illuminati. The players will back this dude and he will bring in some solid coaches....I really hope!

Stay the course my man!!!

I dont think there were that many Bo supporters left. Whats going to make this transition difficult is the hire itself. We would all be singing a different tune had we landed a proven winner. We got the exact opposite and now everyone is "hoping" what we did is right. "Hope" is not a strategy (unless you are running for president). By making this hire the pressure cooker just got hotter for the simple fact that this guy is coming into an environment now were people are already skeptical. At the first sign of trouble this thing is going to turn on its head. Had we hired a proven winner that would not be the case.
Again, I hope I am wrong.

Very well said.

 

[Igetbored216]

For a guy who is so well respected around coaching and media circles, he knows NOBODY on the staff?

That struck me as odd, too. You'd think he'd have a pretty full Rolodex by now.

Yeah...I think he has been pretty isolated...but it still something that kind of bugs me a bit...1. Really well respected but might not know a lot of guys

2. Might be bringing most/all of his old staff

3. Offense is a hodgepodge/multiple

Not the end of the world but just things that kind of made me go "hmmmm"

He's been here a single day folks. Give him some time....he's got plenty of it.

Thats just it...he doesn't have plenty of time. He is starting recruiting today, he said...time is up.

Exactly. He doesn't have plenty of time, he needs to get to work yesterday.

I,agree with you about all of your concerns.

I was expecting him to win the press conference, but I wasn't impressed.

I said last night that this hire seemed very callahanesque, after hearing this press conference and everything about this guy, he seems more Doc Sadler to me.

Given the negativity you have had over this hire in general, your comments are not surprising.

It's funny that our previous staff got killed for having a Hodge podge offense with no identity, yet this guy gets a pass.

If he brings the majority of his staff from OSU, if his record is any indication of their ability, then we shouldn't expect much better than what we've had the past 15 years.

I think that those are real concerns.

Did we kill the previous staff before they even played a game yet? I don't recall that ever happening.

 

[hskrpwr13]

Thought it was a positive presser. Assuming I can take everything at face value....

The good;

1. Definitely seems like a nice guy. Reminds me a lot of Tim Miles. Came off much more humble than some prior coaches.

2. I like that he's more concerned with coaching to players' strengths versus be married to a scheme.

3. Like that he wants to be open with the fans and media. (Whether or not that will me practice access is still an outstanding question.)

4. Sounds like he's open to not only keeping some current staff, but also to look for some guys that are even better than what he's had.

5. Embraces the tradition of the program. Seems to believe that the program is at a level more like Bob's and Tom's Huskers versus its current state. However....

The nitpicking:

1. This is kind of all encompassing, but I got the impression that this is kind of a whirl-wind romance versus Mike performing what I'd consider a high level of due diligence. I'm just unsure if he truly understands the fishbowl that is Nebraska football.

2. If things really happened as quickly as described, I have to soften my stance a bit on this, but I really hoped/thought he already better knew exactly who will be part of his staff.

3. He didn't seem seem as comfortable behind the mike as I would've expected due to his vast experience. Again, nitpicking. Overall, thought he did well.

 

[Junior]

Wait. What? He wants experts at the staff positions? Who is this guy?

Wait, so no more golf instructors coaching WRs??

 

[It'sNotAFakeID]

These are just my raw emotions. Please, don't flame.

I feel like Eichorst just hired a guy that is un-fireable due to his niceness. Like, he's fire-proof.

This feels like an admission that domination on the field is a thing of the past, and the only thing left to cling to is some kind of ethereal spirit of Tom Osborne's "niceness." It was like Riley forced himself to say "...and win championships, too" in the presser.

For the record, Mike - The booster illuminati will eat you alive, one way or the other. <---Those are not MY feelings towards Mike, but is the reality of the situation if he doesn't win conference titles.

I think he is stepping into a pretty difficult situation. We fired a guy who won 9+ games each year and had people on both sides of the issue. The Callahan/Pelini transition went much easier because almost everyone was done with BC. This transition will be a little tougher because there were still strong supporters of Bo....perception.

The hire was nothing anyone thought so of course people are going to be nervous about this hire.

The more I keep reading and hearing about this cat, I am pretty excited. I have to disagree with you that he will be eaten alive by the illuminati. The players will back this dude and he will bring in some solid coaches....I really hope!

Stay the course my man!!!

I dont think there were that many Bo supporters left. Whats going to make this transition difficult is the hire itself. We would all be singing a different tune had we landed a proven winner. We got the exact opposite and now everyone is "hoping" what we did is right. "Hope" is not a strategy (unless you are running for president). By making this hire the pressure cooker just got hotter for the simple fact that this guy is coming into an environment now were people are already skeptical. At the first sign of trouble this thing is going to turn on its head. Had we hired a proven winner that would not be the case.

Again, I hope I am wrong.

But you're making the assertion that Mike Riley isn't a proven winner. Given the significant disadvantages Oregon State faced in the Pac-12--probably the less talented team when compared to all but 2 or 3 teams (Wazzu, Colorado, maybe Utah), 93-80 is pretty solid, and a record I don't believe BP could have achieved. Mike is now the head coach at Nebraska, a team that talent wise, is probably the 3rd or 4th best team in the conference (Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan State) but coaching wise probably had one of the worst staffs in the conference.

It is within reason to assume that Mike will come in here and win. He has all the intangibles and now has the resources.

 

[74Hunter]

For a guy who is so well respected around coaching and media circles, he knows NOBODY on the staff?

Does that speak to the obscurity of the coaching hires Pelini has made?

That's not what i take from it

'course not.

People will read into thinks what they will.

 

[carlfense]

Expectations for Mike Riley as of 12/5/14:

1. Must get to a bowl game every year (2015 may be tough sledding, but it is a must given the pile of crap division we are in)

2. Play for and WIN a conference title in the next 3 years.

3. Be in the playoff once in the next 5 years.

Really? Who would you have hired to replace Bo back in 2010?

 

[Igetbored216]

If I remember correctly, Pelini said they were pursuing the Medical RS and Turner didn't participate in Senior Day.

great news. JT still has something to prove.

Are we questioning whether or not he gets another year of eligibility, or whether or not he will be healthy enough to play? In regards to the former, I guess I don't see how that doesn't happen.

 

[kchusker_chris]

3. He didn't seem seem as comfortable behind the mike as I would've expected due to his vast experience. Again, nitpicking. Overall, thought he did well.

I'd bet he hasn't slept more than a couple hours a night in a week. I can't imagine the transition that guy is juggling right now....

 

[Bigred_inSD]

Riley being uncomfortable behind the Mic could be due in large part to the crowd. Keep in mind he's been in the abyss of Oregon state. He may have just been shocked at how many people came just for a presser.

 

[Paul in WI]

Regarding bowl game "won't be coaching, but will have fun being a fan watching.."

Regarding who assistant names might be "I'd rather not mention at this time. Some of them don't even know it yet"

Regarding the plan "staffing, recruiting, moving fast..."

Regarding Husker tradition and what he knows about Nebraska "What I've seen on TV. Was on the field as a player when Johnny Rodgers was running wild on Bama. Received a call when he was coaching in Canada "Hi Mike, it's Tom Osborne"...also has Tom's book on his bookshelf and refers to it. Also very high on walkons and their importance...Embraces it. Gave interesting examples of what they are capable of.

What I also took from it was that he was genuine and spoke clearly and honestly. Never used the word "things" repeatedly as a description. So in that little regard, it makes it easier to actually understand what he means. And he answered the questions that were asked with the same demeanor, the difficult ones or not.

Very good start IMO for Coach Mike Riley

Nothing was scripted. We heard the real Mike Riley this morning. His answers were genuine and off the cuff. I don't know about anyone else, but I find that refreshing.