Richt is a good coach, good recruiter. Is he going to take NU back to the next level of winning at least conference titles is the question. I feel that if Bo is replaced, this could be the most important hire that NU ever makes for a coach. Can we afford to hire another Bo or even worse another Callahan? No way can this happen again or I feel the tradition and the spirit to a point of no return.
Big 12 comment is based on losing what was once a great game with OU, even if it was an every two year deal. Now the Big 10 is making attempts at rivalry games with Iowa and Wisky. Nice, but will never carry the same level as what we had. I think that having a true rival makes things more relevant overall. Do I want a switch back to the Big 12, NO. But that conference is still more football relevant overall.
Pelini did win the North division in the Big 12 twice. Yes, thats not the Big 10 west, but he did win a division title. At a point when the North division in the Big 12 was way better than what he has played in the Big 10 divisions so far.
Not totally against Richt, but don't think he is the answer for this program right now. Patterson would be my choice, but thats a hard sell with a recruiting base in Texas that may not want to play in the Big 10. I will stick to what i said about Richt and Pelini being similar.