I think you gain toughness by competition. Nebraska had it years ago with the walk on program. Kids today seem to quit at the slightest bit of turmoil, see the abundance of threads talking about giving up, not buying tickets, not going to games. It is a developed trait. We were spoiled, and when it went away, some just don't want to put in the effort.
Today's kids are about what can you do for me, not what can I do for you/program. But with competition with in a squad, you see improvement of that attitude. That is why the recruiting is so important. Not just about stars or elite talent, but guts, drive, fortitude, loyalty. When you have those type of people, you grow, and it can be instilled in others. See Marine Recon, Navy Seals, Army Green Beret. It is not about striving to be the best in the group, but making the group the best by everyone's best efforts. You are only as strong as your weakest member.
So who ever gets the job, or even Mike keeping his. It is going to take time. I think Coach Riley has the right idea, but has not performed to the level that many demand. I think he is bringing in the type of kids that will do the job, whether he is the coach or not. We as a group just need to be careful not to drive them away. I do believe if Coach Riley is let go, he will work very hard to make the next coaches life as easy as possible. I do not think he would ever try to poison the water. He may not be a Nebraskan, but he does understand how important our football team is to Nebraska.
My guess is if he asked to leave, he will do so and he will work out a better settlement for Nebraska. I don't think taking this job was about money, it was a quest, and if he fails. He won't blame Nebraska for it. JMHO.
Today's kids are about what can you do for me, not what can I do for you/program. But with competition with in a squad, you see improvement of that attitude. That is why the recruiting is so important. Not just about stars or elite talent, but guts, drive, fortitude, loyalty. When you have those type of people, you grow, and it can be instilled in others. See Marine Recon, Navy Seals, Army Green Beret. It is not about striving to be the best in the group, but making the group the best by everyone's best efforts. You are only as strong as your weakest member.
So who ever gets the job, or even Mike keeping his. It is going to take time. I think Coach Riley has the right idea, but has not performed to the level that many demand. I think he is bringing in the type of kids that will do the job, whether he is the coach or not. We as a group just need to be careful not to drive them away. I do believe if Coach Riley is let go, he will work very hard to make the next coaches life as easy as possible. I do not think he would ever try to poison the water. He may not be a Nebraskan, but he does understand how important our football team is to Nebraska.
My guess is if he asked to leave, he will do so and he will work out a better settlement for Nebraska. I don't think taking this job was about money, it was a quest, and if he fails. He won't blame Nebraska for it. JMHO.
