Grantland: Ranking College Football’s New Head Coaching Hires

[Dr. Mantis Toboggan]

Whose job, exactly, was it to get those inferior players at OSU? The fact that some people use that point to defend MR is baffling. Inferior players with inferior record.

Apparently context has no bearing in a discussion like this. Riley either did or did not do better than Pelini at his last gig, and both situations are 1:1 equal in every way, so if he didn't do better, that's a failure on Riley's part.

Orrrr........

We could recognize that Nebraska doesn't have a larger, better-funded, better-positioned D1A school in their state, who gets free or near-free marketing aimed directly at the demographic the two schools are recruiting year in and year out. Nebraska isn't in an after-thought city in this state with no major airport for recruits to fly into. Nebraska isn't dealing with the worst athletic facilities in their conference. Nebraska isn't dealing with the smallest athletic department budget in their conference.

Nebraska wasn't dealing with most of the disadvantages Riley was dealing with at Oregon State, but let's completely ignore all of that, let's ignore that the PAC-10/PAC-12 has been a tougher conference than the Big Ten these past four/five years, let's ignore everything and just look at the bottom-line numbers alone.

Because context doesn't matter. Right?

Mike Riley was competing with Nike U in Oregon, it is very difficult for any school to compete with Oregon these days. Not to mention he was out spent in the PAC 12 by major schools in the recruiting pipelines of the PAC 12.

Oregon state ranked 11th in the PAC 12 for athletic facilities which is one of the major selling points to recruits and crucial to developing your players. Oregon is ranked 1st. the only team that was behind Oregon State was Washington State. So that fact right there shows how amazing it was that Riley had any success in the PAC 12.

Nebraska is ranked 2nd in the Big 10 in athletic facilities, the number one team is Ohio State.

The best example that I can give regarding the importance of athletic facilities to coaching and recruiting is Nick Saban at Michigan State, between 1995-1997 his best finish was a 7 win season, in '98 Saban upset #1 Ohio State but still finished 6-6. His best season at Michigan state was in '99 where he finished 9-2 (10-2 with the bowl game that he did not coach), Riley had similar numbers at a weaker school. It wasn't until he went to LSU where Saban's worst season was an 8 win season. Today, LSU's athletic facilities ranked 2nd in the SEC where Michigan State is ranked 5th in the Big 10.

So, you are giving a coach who had success against top ranked teams at a bottom of the barrel power 5 school better facilities and better recruiting pipelines in a softer conference than the PAC 12. I am not saying that he will be our Nick Saban but at least look at the bigger picture and give the guy some support, he hasn't even coached a game yet.

 

[NUpolo8]

Whose job, exactly, was it to get those inferior players at OSU? The fact that some people use that point to defend MR is baffling. Inferior players with inferior record.

Apparently context has no bearing in a discussion like this. Riley either did or did not do better than Pelini at his last gig, and both situations are 1:1 equal in every way, so if he didn't do better, that's a failure on Riley's part.

Orrrr........

We could recognize that Nebraska doesn't have a larger, better-funded, better-positioned D1A school in their state, who gets free or near-free marketing aimed directly at the demographic the two schools are recruiting year in and year out. Nebraska isn't in an after-thought city in this state with no major airport for recruits to fly into. Nebraska isn't dealing with the worst athletic facilities in their conference. Nebraska isn't dealing with the smallest athletic department budget in their conference.

Nebraska wasn't dealing with most of the disadvantages Riley was dealing with at Oregon State, but let's completely ignore all of that, let's ignore that the PAC-10/PAC-12 has been a tougher conference than the Big Ten these past four/five years, let's ignore everything and just look at the bottom-line numbers alone.

Because context doesn't matter. Right?

Mike Riley was competing with Nike U in Oregon, it is very difficult for any school to compete with Oregon these days. Not to mention he was out spent in the PAC 12 by major schools in the recruiting pipelines of the PAC 12. Oregon state ranked 11th in the PAC 12 for athletic facilities which is one of the major selling points to recruits and crucial to developing your players. Oregon is ranked 1st. the only team that was behind Oregon State was Washington State. So that fact right there shows how amazing it was that Riley had any success in the PAC 12.

Nebraska is ranked 2nd in the Big 10 in athletic facilities, the number one team is Ohio State.

The best example that I can give regarding the importance of athletic facilities to coaching and recruiting is Nick Saban at Michigan State, between 1995-1997 his best finish was a 7 win season, in '98 Saban upset #1 Ohio State but still finished 6-6. His best season at Michigan state was in '99 where he finished 9-2 (10-2 with the bowl game that he did not coach), Riley had similar numbers at a weaker school. It wasn't until he went to LSU where Saban's worst season was an 8 win season. Today, LSU's athletic facilities ranked 2nd in the SEC where Michigan State is ranked 5th in the Big 10.

So, you are giving a coach who had success against top ranked teams at a bottom of the barrel power 5 school better facilities and better recruiting pipelines in a softer conference than the PAC 12. I am not saying that he will be our Nick Saban but at least look at the bigger picture and give the guy some support, he hasn't even coached a game yet.

This,

The disconnect that the butthurt brigade has when they mew, "but Riley hasn't been any good since 08!" Just proves they have no idea what happened in 09 to now.

Oregon seriously kicked into high gear.

People say. Nebraska was stuck in schools like Oregon's wake, Riley literally got blown out of the water. He was trying to recruit kids to Ore. st when you literally land and drive right by UO when you fly a kid to see your campus.

And people wonder why he was struggling of late.

And now he is coaching the premier program in the area, with the money that he wished he had for the past six years.

But whatevs.

 

[teachercd]

Here is the thing...you can't have it both ways...

If Riley was "great" at OSU in spite of the crappy ranked players, YMCA weight room, crummy stadium and no money...then you have to be okay with fans expecting amazing results in year one at NU.

11 wins...easy.

 

[Dr. Mantis Toboggan]

Here is the thing...you can't have it both ways...

If Riley was "great" at OSU in spite of the crappy ranked players, YMCA weight room, crummy stadium and no money...then you have to be okay with fans expecting amazing results in year one at NU.

11 wins...easy.

Maybe not 11 wins. But at least winning the division. Can we start off by beating Wisconsin first? That alone would be an improvement

 

[Count 'Bility]

Whose job, exactly, was it to get those inferior players at OSU? The fact that some people use that point to defend MR is baffling. Inferior players with inferior record.

Apparently context has no bearing in a discussion like this. Riley either did or did not do better than Pelini at his last gig, and both situations are 1:1 equal in every way, so if he didn't do better, that's a failure on Riley's part.

Orrrr........

We could recognize that Nebraska doesn't have a larger, better-funded, better-positioned D1A school in their state, who gets free or near-free marketing aimed directly at the demographic the two schools are recruiting year in and year out. Nebraska isn't in an after-thought city in this state with no major airport for recruits to fly into. Nebraska isn't dealing with the worst athletic facilities in their conference. Nebraska isn't dealing with the smallest athletic department budget in their conference.

Nebraska wasn't dealing with most of the disadvantages Riley was dealing with at Oregon State, but let's completely ignore all of that, let's ignore that the PAC-10/PAC-12 has been a tougher conference than the Big Ten these past four/five years, let's ignore everything and just look at the bottom-line numbers alone.

Because context doesn't matter. Right?

Mike Riley was competing with Nike U in Oregon, it is very difficult for any school to compete with Oregon these days. Not to mention he was out spent in the PAC 12 by major schools in the recruiting pipelines of the PAC 12. Oregon state ranked 11th in the PAC 12 for athletic facilities which is one of the major selling points to recruits and crucial to developing your players. Oregon is ranked 1st. the only team that was behind Oregon State was Washington State. So that fact right there shows how amazing it was that Riley had any success in the PAC 12.

Nebraska is ranked 2nd in the Big 10 in athletic facilities, the number one team is Ohio State.

The best example that I can give regarding the importance of athletic facilities to coaching and recruiting is Nick Saban at Michigan State, between 1995-1997 his best finish was a 7 win season, in '98 Saban upset #1 Ohio State but still finished 6-6. His best season at Michigan state was in '99 where he finished 9-2 (10-2 with the bowl game that he did not coach), Riley had similar numbers at a weaker school. It wasn't until he went to LSU where Saban's worst season was an 8 win season. Today, LSU's athletic facilities ranked 2nd in the SEC where Michigan State is ranked 5th in the Big 10.

So, you are giving a coach who had success against top ranked teams at a bottom of the barrel power 5 school better facilities and better recruiting pipelines in a softer conference than the PAC 12. I am not saying that he will be our Nick Saban but at least look at the bigger picture and give the guy some support, he hasn't even coached a game yet.

This,

The disconnect that the butthurt brigade has when they mew, "but Riley hasn't been any good since 08!" Just proves they have no idea what happened in 09 to now.

Oregon seriously kicked into high gear.

People say. Nebraska was stuck in schools like Oregon's wake, Riley literally got blown out of the water. He was trying to recruit kids to Ore. st when you literally land and drive right by UO when you fly a kid to see your campus.

And people wonder why he was struggling of late.

And now he is coaching the premier program in the area, with the money that he wished he had for the past six years.

But whatevs.

Remember at the intro presser. Riley took a little backhanded swipe at Oregon. "You can't buy tradition". He knows full well the affects of Oregon "coming online" in that period and how it affected his program. That's why I think he took this job and why he struggled so mightely the last few years. It just became a type of "fighting a losing battle" kind of dynamic. It's gotta be tough gettin up in the morning and looking in the mirror knowing full well youve already reached your peak and it's not gonna get any better regardless how hard you work because of circumstances well beyond your control.

 

[Count 'Bility]

Here is the thing...you can't have it both ways...

If Riley was "great" at OSU in spite of the crappy ranked players, YMCA weight room, crummy stadium and no money...then you have to be okay with fans expecting amazing results in year one at NU.

11 wins...easy.

in regards to this, I do. I see 11 wins as a real possibility. Ive stated as such. And also, that a 10-2 regular season should be a realistic expectation. 9 wins is obviously acceptable depending on the circumstances. Anything less? I'll admit failure. This aint no culture shock rebuild like it was in 2004. There's a lot to build on here. Influx some sound coaching, improve the mentality (which is probably the most daunting task by far) and this team can flourish.

But also like Knapp says, even if this guy does just win 9-10 games every year, fails to win a conference title, but does it in a far more respectful manner in regards to national perception and his handling of the program within the walls of North Stadium, and doesnt do much if anything at all to embarrass us, and we look like at least a halfway competent football team on the big stage then yeah, I'll accept that as a huge improvement as well.

 

[teachercd]

Here is the thing...you can't have it both ways...

If Riley was "great" at OSU in spite of the crappy ranked players, YMCA weight room, crummy stadium and no money...then you have to be okay with fans expecting amazing results in year one at NU.

11 wins...easy.

in regards to this, I do. I see 11 wins as a real possibility. Ive stated as such. And also, that a 10-2 regular season should be a realistic expectation. 9 wins is obviously acceptable depending on the circumstances. Anything less? I'll admit failure. This aint no culture shock rebuild like it was in 2004. There's a lot to build on here. Influx some sound coaching, improve the mentality (which is probably the most daunting task by far) and this team can flourish.

But also like Knapp says, even if this guy does just win 9-10 games every year, fails to win a conference title, but does it in a far more respectful manner in regards to national perception and his handling of the program within the walls of North Stadium, and doesnt do much if anything at all to embarrass us, and we look like at least a halfway competent football team on the big stage then yeah, I'll accept that as a huge improvement as well.

Exactly!

Look...anything less than 9 wins next season is a huge fail...people can pretend like it isn't but it will be.

11wins!

 

[Dr. Strangelove]

Here is the thing...you can't have it both ways...

If Riley was "great" at OSU in spite of the crappy ranked players, YMCA weight room, crummy stadium and no money...then you have to be okay with fans expecting amazing results in year one at NU.

11 wins...easy.

in regards to this, I do. I see 11 wins as a real possibility. Ive stated as such. And also, that a 10-2 regular season should be a realistic expectation. 9 wins is obviously acceptable depending on the circumstances. Anything less? I'll admit failure. This aint no culture shock rebuild like it was in 2004. There's a lot to build on here. Influx some sound coaching, improve the mentality (which is probably the most daunting task by far) and this team can flourish.

But also like Knapp says, even if this guy does just win 9-10 games every year, fails to win a conference title, but does it in a far more respectful manner in regards to national perception and his handling of the program within the walls of North Stadium, and doesnt do much if anything at all to embarrass us, and we look like at least a halfway competent football team on the big stage then yeah, I'll accept that as a huge improvement as well.

I'm not going to settle for that. I really hope Nebraska can win the conference title within the next two seasons, our schedule makes it nearly impossible for two seasons after that.

If it doesn't happen, it'll be two decades since we've won a game with meaning. For the record, I'm not a big fan of the Riley hire or his staff hires for the most part. I'm not 'butthurt'. They waited a year too long to fire Bo if you ask me.

 

[NUpolo8]

Here is the thing...you can't have it both ways...

If Riley was "great" at OSU in spite of the crappy ranked players, YMCA weight room, crummy stadium and no money...then you have to be okay with fans expecting amazing results in year one at NU.

11 wins...easy.

Lol

And btw, I expect NU will be fine next year.

 

[mnhusker]

Here is the thing...you can't have it both ways...

If Riley was "great" at OSU in spite of the crappy ranked players, YMCA weight room, crummy stadium and no money...then you have to be okay with fans expecting amazing results in year one at NU.

11 wins...easy.

in regards to this, I do. I see 11 wins as a real possibility. Ive stated as such. And also, that a 10-2 regular season should be a realistic expectation. 9 wins is obviously acceptable depending on the circumstances. Anything less? I'll admit failure. This aint no culture shock rebuild like it was in 2004. There's a lot to build on here. Influx some sound coaching, improve the mentality (which is probably the most daunting task by far) and this team can flourish.

But also like Knapp says, even if this guy does just win 9-10 games every year, fails to win a conference title, but does it in a far more respectful manner in regards to national perception and his handling of the program within the walls of North Stadium, and doesnt do much if anything at all to embarrass us, and we look like at least a halfway competent football team on the big stage then yeah, I'll accept that as a huge improvement as well.

I agree and this is a good way to look at, the tools Riley now has are massive and exceed what he had at Oregon State and those at Oregon for that matter. Not sure what Riley will do but he has a hammer that even a hot head prior coordinator with HS coaches managed to pound out nine wins with, so now we are part of the grand experiment to see if depth, talent and maturity can win the day. It may take a bit of time to groom a top notch QB but I think that coaches can do it and this may be a point that the new staff and leverage to get to the next level.

 

[Count 'Bility]

Here is the thing...you can't have it both ways...

If Riley was "great" at OSU in spite of the crappy ranked players, YMCA weight room, crummy stadium and no money...then you have to be okay with fans expecting amazing results in year one at NU.

11 wins...easy.

in regards to this, I do. I see 11 wins as a real possibility. Ive stated as such. And also, that a 10-2 regular season should be a realistic expectation. 9 wins is obviously acceptable depending on the circumstances. Anything less? I'll admit failure. This aint no culture shock rebuild like it was in 2004. There's a lot to build on here. Influx some sound coaching, improve the mentality (which is probably the most daunting task by far) and this team can flourish.

But also like Knapp says, even if this guy does just win 9-10 games every year, fails to win a conference title, but does it in a far more respectful manner in regards to national perception and his handling of the program within the walls of North Stadium, and doesnt do much if anything at all to embarrass us, and we look like at least a halfway competent football team on the big stage then yeah, I'll accept that as a huge improvement as well.

I'm not going to settle for that. I really hope Nebraska can win the conference title within the next two seasons, our schedule makes it nearly impossible for two seasons after that.

If it doesn't happen, it'll be two decades since we've won a game with meaning. For the record, I'm not a big fan of the Riley hire or his staff hires for the most part. I'm not 'butthurt'. They waited a year too long to fire Bo if you ask me.

I'll agree. We shouldnt settle for that. But what I'm saying is that result shouldnt be deemed as a failure or a step back. We should always be striving to be the best program possible. I just dont agree with the mood that this guy HAS to come in and improve on 9/10 wins to not be an immediate failure, even though I do believe it's a realist possibility that he does.

 

[Dr. Strangelove]

Here is the thing...you can't have it both ways...

If Riley was "great" at OSU in spite of the crappy ranked players, YMCA weight room, crummy stadium and no money...then you have to be okay with fans expecting amazing results in year one at NU.

11 wins...easy.

in regards to this, I do. I see 11 wins as a real possibility. Ive stated as such. And also, that a 10-2 regular season should be a realistic expectation. 9 wins is obviously acceptable depending on the circumstances. Anything less? I'll admit failure. This aint no culture shock rebuild like it was in 2004. There's a lot to build on here. Influx some sound coaching, improve the mentality (which is probably the most daunting task by far) and this team can flourish.

But also like Knapp says, even if this guy does just win 9-10 games every year, fails to win a conference title, but does it in a far more respectful manner in regards to national perception and his handling of the program within the walls of North Stadium, and doesnt do much if anything at all to embarrass us, and we look like at least a halfway competent football team on the big stage then yeah, I'll accept that as a huge improvement as well.

I'm not going to settle for that. I really hope Nebraska can win the conference title within the next two seasons, our schedule makes it nearly impossible for two seasons after that.

If it doesn't happen, it'll be two decades since we've won a game with meaning. For the record, I'm not a big fan of the Riley hire or his staff hires for the most part. I'm not 'butthurt'. They waited a year too long to fire Bo if you ask me.

I'll agree. We shouldnt settle for that. But what I'm saying is that result shouldnt be deemed as a failure or a step back. We should always be striving to be the best program possible. I just dont agree with the mood that this guy HAS to come in and improve on 9/10 wins to not be an immediate failure, even though I do believe it's a realist possibility that he does.

Point taken. But there is a different dynamic at work, he's not coming into a situation in which the team is coming off a losing season. He doesn't get a pass if we have a 7-5 year or something, but I do understand what you're saying.

 

[Count 'Bility]

Here is the thing...you can't have it both ways...

If Riley was "great" at OSU in spite of the crappy ranked players, YMCA weight room, crummy stadium and no money...then you have to be okay with fans expecting amazing results in year one at NU.

11 wins...easy.

in regards to this, I do. I see 11 wins as a real possibility. Ive stated as such. And also, that a 10-2 regular season should be a realistic expectation. 9 wins is obviously acceptable depending on the circumstances. Anything less? I'll admit failure. This aint no culture shock rebuild like it was in 2004. There's a lot to build on here. Influx some sound coaching, improve the mentality (which is probably the most daunting task by far) and this team can flourish.

But also like Knapp says, even if this guy does just win 9-10 games every year, fails to win a conference title, but does it in a far more respectful manner in regards to national perception and his handling of the program within the walls of North Stadium, and doesnt do much if anything at all to embarrass us, and we look like at least a halfway competent football team on the big stage then yeah, I'll accept that as a huge improvement as well.

I'm not going to settle for that. I really hope Nebraska can win the conference title within the next two seasons, our schedule makes it nearly impossible for two seasons after that.

If it doesn't happen, it'll be two decades since we've won a game with meaning. For the record, I'm not a big fan of the Riley hire or his staff hires for the most part. I'm not 'butthurt'. They waited a year too long to fire Bo if you ask me.

I'll agree. We shouldnt settle for that. But what I'm saying is that result shouldnt be deemed as a failure or a step back. We should always be striving to be the best program possible. I just dont agree with the mood that this guy HAS to come in and improve on 9/10 wins to not be an immediate failure, even though I do believe it's a realist possibility that he does.

Point taken. But there is a different dynamic at work, he's not coming into a situation in which the team is coming off a losing season. He doesn't get a pass if we have a 7-5 year or something, but I do understand what you're saying.

Anything less than 9 wins isnt good at all in my opinion. Not with the schedule we have. I will be extrememly dissappointed in less than 9 regular season wins. I just dont know where on the schedule 4 losses come from even playing mediocre football every week. Wisconsins got new coaches again and theyre at home, and Michigan St has a new DC. That's a pretty big shakeup on their bellcow phase of the game, even if Dantonio is the ultimate defensive mind there. I'm still meh on the challenges that BYU and Miami will provide. Miami lost Duke. I just dont know. With our schedule, anything less than 9 regular season wins is going to leave me and probably all of Husker nation scratching their heads and wanting to beat down Eichorst's door. I just dont see it happening though.

 

[Dr. Mantis Toboggan]

Here is the thing...you can't have it both ways...

If Riley was "great" at OSU in spite of the crappy ranked players, YMCA weight room, crummy stadium and no money...then you have to be okay with fans expecting amazing results in year one at NU.

11 wins...easy.

in regards to this, I do. I see 11 wins as a real possibility. Ive stated as such. And also, that a 10-2 regular season should be a realistic expectation. 9 wins is obviously acceptable depending on the circumstances. Anything less? I'll admit failure. This aint no culture shock rebuild like it was in 2004. There's a lot to build on here. Influx some sound coaching, improve the mentality (which is probably the most daunting task by far) and this team can flourish.

But also like Knapp says, even if this guy does just win 9-10 games every year, fails to win a conference title, but does it in a far more respectful manner in regards to national perception and his handling of the program within the walls of North Stadium, and doesnt do much if anything at all to embarrass us, and we look like at least a halfway competent football team on the big stage then yeah, I'll accept that as a huge improvement as well.

I'm not going to settle for that. I really hope Nebraska can win the conference title within the next two seasons, our schedule makes it nearly impossible for two seasons after that.

If it doesn't happen, it'll be two decades since we've won a game with meaning. For the record, I'm not a big fan of the Riley hire or his staff hires for the most part. I'm not 'butthurt'. They waited a year too long to fire Bo if you ask me.

I'll agree. We shouldnt settle for that. But what I'm saying is that result shouldnt be deemed as a failure or a step back. We should always be striving to be the best program possible. I just dont agree with the mood that this guy HAS to come in and improve on 9/10 wins to not be an immediate failure, even though I do believe it's a realist possibility that he does.

Point taken. But there is a different dynamic at work, he's not coming into a situation in which the team is coming off a losing season. He doesn't get a pass if we have a 7-5 year or something, but I do understand what you're saying.

Anything less than 9 wins isnt good at all in my opinion. Not with the schedule we have. I will be extrememly dissappointed in less than 9 regular season wins. I just dont know where on the schedule 4 losses come from even playing mediocre football every week. Wisconsins got new coaches again and theyre at home, and Michigan St has a new DC. That's a pretty big shakeup on their bellcow phase of the game, even if Dantonio is the ultimate defensive mind there. I'm still meh on the challenges that BYU and Miami will provide. Miami lost Duke. I just dont know. With our schedule, anything less than 9 regular season wins is going to leave me and probably all of Husker nation scratching their heads and wanting to beat down Eichorst's door. I just dont see it happening though.

I still think that in year one 9 wins is a very real possibility but so is 7-5. If we do lose 5 games it will depend on how we lose those games. If they are epic meltdown loses that mimic the Pelini era then the is a rather large cause for concern. But if those loses are competitive then I think that in year 2 we will see some hardware. Year one for any coach is difficult, but he is bringing a ton of experience on this staff and Riley is open to adjusting his scheme around the talent we have. I expect the offense to improve big time. It is all going to depend on how well the defense plays next season, if the D can play well in the big games then we should have an excellent season.

 

[knapplc]

2015 Schedule

W - BYU
W - South Alabama
?? - @ Miami
W - Southern Miss
W - @ Illinois
?? - Wisconsin
?? - @ Minnesota
W - Northwestern
W - @ Purdue
?? - Michigan State
W - @ Rutgers
W - Iowa

I see eight pretty sure wins on that schedule. Four toss-ups, and a large part of that has to do with how quickly the team picks up what Riley's putting down.

If the team can't get their head around the new schemes, Sparty is a loss, Minnesota is a loss, Miami becomes pretty tough and Wisconsin is a possible loss. We could lose to BYU or even Rutgers.

People talk themselves into a lot of things on message boards. This idea that nine wins next year is a shoo-in is one of them. Then when that doesn't happen - and there was never any guarantee it would - the meltdowns and temper tantrums flare up again.