This goes way back, but think it applies. When Michigan State got put on probation in the 70's, they fired Denny Stolz, and then had a good couple decent years under his replacement Darryl Rogers. But Rogers couldn't recruit and fill the cupboard because probation imposed recruiting restrictions. So after Rogers had some success with Stolz's players, the program crashed and burned completely, and Rogers bugged out for Arizona State.
The Spartan fans' number one choice Steeler Assistant HC George Perles, and Perles, a Michigan State alum, campaigned hard for the job. Inexplicably, they hired Muddy Waters from Saginaw Valley. Perles was crushed, but his mentor, Duffy Daugherty, told Perles that it was a good thing, because the program was in such bad shape, the the rebuilding would take too long. He said 'You don't want the job now', because this hire would fail too, no matter who it was, and that Perles was better off waiting for the next opening.
Which is what happened. Muddy foundered on the field, but he did bring in some decent players, and left the program in better shape than what he inherited. Then Perles did get the job. He did all right and coached for a long time.
I think the Huskers are where Michigan State was when they hired Muddy Waters. This next coach can almost be considered interim - a 3 year rebuilder, facing a daunting task, who makes it a better situation for the next guy. Know that's now what everyone wants, but don't expect anyone to turn this around overnight.