Riley may have been SE's first call. The following is pure speculation, I have no facts other than what I read on this board. It appears that SE is an egomaniac. I can imagine TO wondering down to Bo's office, working with Bo, asking Bo what he needed to be successful, and being very supportive. I imagine SE summoning Bo to his office, complaining when Bo shows up 5 minutes late, and making it clear to Bo that he is boss, and that Bo should bow down. This could explain part of Bo's attitude change. Bo being naturally disagreeable, rebelled in every way. SE wanted to show the world that Bo was not a good coach, so he hired a career 500 coach to come to Nebraska and do better than Bo, and SE was arrogant enough to believe MR would do better than Bo. The added bonus was SE now had a football coach who would bow down to him.