What's Behind the Staff Changes

[Landlord]

Despite all of the stones being turned over to find something to still be less than enthusiastic about, here's the reality.

It's been 14 years since we've seen this specific kind of thing at NU - namely, a head coach willing (or forced, whatever) to cut off dead weight in pursuit of excellence. Solich did it to good effect, but it was too little too late, Callahan never did it, Pelini never did it. It's been a long time since we've been used to our staff/admin taking it this seriously, and that's definitely reason for optimism.

 

[BRV920]

Despite all of the stones being turned over to find something to still be less than enthusiastic about, here's the reality.

It's been 14 years since we've seen this specific kind of thing at NU - namely, a head coach willing (or forced, whatever) to cut off dead weight in pursuit of excellence. Solich did it to good effect, but it was too little too late, Callahan never did it, Pelini never did it. It's been a long time since we've been used to our staff/admin taking it this seriously, and that's definitely reason for optimism.

This is incorrect. Pelini let Watson and WR coach go. Can't think of his name right now.

 

[RedSavage]

Why would Eichorst pick on banker? Our defense was ranked 30th and our offense was ranked 90th? WITH A SENIOR QB. Why is riley getting so much credit for firing Banker? Cavanaugh still has a job and that is the teams BIGGEST WEAKNESS

I'm not sure many coaches could do too much better with what he had to work with. Now if it's the same story next year, with what should be a MUCH improved o-line, I think Riley has shown he'll get rid of him.

 

[ADS]

Despite all of the stones being turned over to find something to still be less than enthusiastic about, here's the reality.

It's been 14 years since we've seen this specific kind of thing at NU - namely, a head coach willing (or forced, whatever) to cut off dead weight in pursuit of excellence. Solich did it to good effect, but it was too little too late, Callahan never did it, Pelini never did it. It's been a long time since we've been used to our staff/admin taking it this seriously, and that's definitely reason for optimism.

This is incorrect. Pelini let Watson and WR coach go. Can't think of his name right now.

Doing it then hiring your buddies who have zero experience is not the same.

 

[Pedro Guerrero]

Despite all of the stones being turned over to find something to still be less than enthusiastic about, here's the reality.

It's been 14 years since we've seen this specific kind of thing at NU - namely, a head coach willing (or forced, whatever) to cut off dead weight in pursuit of excellence. Solich did it to good effect, but it was too little too late, Callahan never did it, Pelini never did it. It's been a long time since we've been used to our staff/admin taking it this seriously, and that's definitely reason for optimism.

This is incorrect. Pelini let Watson and WR coach go. Can't think of his name right now.

Doing it then hiring you buddies who have zero experience is not the same.

Plus unlike Solich and Riley, Bo had no history with either Watson or Ted Gilmore.

 

[Landlord]

Despite all of the stones being turned over to find something to still be less than enthusiastic about, here's the reality.

It's been 14 years since we've seen this specific kind of thing at NU - namely, a head coach willing (or forced, whatever) to cut off dead weight in pursuit of excellence. Solich did it to good effect, but it was too little too late, Callahan never did it, Pelini never did it. It's been a long time since we've been used to our staff/admin taking it this seriously, and that's definitely reason for optimism.

This is incorrect. Pelini let Watson and WR coach go. Can't think of his name right now.

Pelini didn't want Watson in the first place but agreed to keep him on to help the transition from Callahan's staff, and Bo was still incredibly loyal by making sure that Watson fell into a good job and wasn't "fired". Watson was also pretty good.

Same with Gilmore. He was a Callahan guy that left with Watson, and his next job was as receivers coach for USC, where he was named receivers coach of the year.

Neither of these situations are at all what I'm referring to, especially when their replacements were Tim Beck being promoted and Rich Fisher being hired.

 

[Undone]

Doing it then hiring your buddies who have zero experience is not the same.

Exactly, +1.

Landlord's description of the landscape is very accurate. We're finally making moves we haven't really made in 15 seasons.

 

[NUinID]

First, I am fairly excited to see a new DC. I have never been on board with Banker and Read needed to go, based on results or lack of.

To answer question: Shawn Eichorst is directly behind the staff changes. Eichorst future with Nebraska is based solely on the success of the football team. Whether for /against the coaching change, it was a hotly debated issue. When he brought in MR, many Nebraska fans and national media, were less than impressed.

If MR doesn't pan out, it will be completely on Eichorst and he is well aware that his job and legacy depends on this. He flat out said in interviews that our talent level needs to increase. Ironically, 3 of our least productive recruiters are gone. Eichorst is on the sideline and inside the player's box every game, more than any other A.D. I have ever seen (Maybe Pat Hayden). He acts like Jerry Jones used to with Dallas. I can't believe how much freedom he uses and abuses. He does it because he understands this is his legacy.

Now, MR is willing to listen and try, regardless of "Friendships". This is were the previous staff didn't respond. MR isn't too proud or egotistical to cut bait, admit a bad hire and try to rectify the situation. MR understands he has to win.

** All in all, I think the change is good, and regardless of who is behind those decisions, it is being done to win games and to save jobs. If this happens, we will all be happy !

Do you have some sort of inside info on this. I am sure SE was part of the process, but I doubt that he went to MR and said you have to fire Banker.

I have some inside info yes, but from people who associate with the athletic department and have with SE. He does things his way. Not saying it is bad...that is for everyone's own opinion.

I think he does have a big say. This is why Bo is no longer here. Bo wouldn't conform to some things SE wanted changed. MR is doing what he and his boss believe the program needs.

** There is no hiding the fact that SE takes a very active role, if people just watch and listen to his comments.

BP is no longer at NU because Perlman and SE didn't want him here. It is a big difference to fire the HC and to flat out tell a HC how to run his staff and team. As I said I have no doubt that SE has had input into the situation, but I doubt he flat out came out and said you need to get rid of Banker now. Do I think SE discussed what he thought would help the program and he may have thought the DC position was a problem, probably.

I just don't think it was a you need to fire Banker now or else type of thing.

I am not saying that SE said "Banker or You"..... put I am sure it was suggested that changes needed to take place and MR decided Banker was the guy.

Fair enough, but in you initial post you said SE is directly behind the staff Changes which in my view is SE basically telling MR to get rid of Banker. If the thought wasn't in MR mnd I doubt he would have done it.

 

[HANC]

First, I am fairly excited to see a new DC. I have never been on board with Banker and Read needed to go, based on results or lack of.

To answer question: Shawn Eichorst is directly behind the staff changes. Eichorst future with Nebraska is based solely on the success of the football team. Whether for /against the coaching change, it was a hotly debated issue. When he brought in MR, many Nebraska fans and national media, were less than impressed.

If MR doesn't pan out, it will be completely on Eichorst and he is well aware that his job and legacy depends on this. He flat out said in interviews that our talent level needs to increase. Ironically, 3 of our least productive recruiters are gone. Eichorst is on the sideline and inside the player's box every game, more than any other A.D. I have ever seen (Maybe Pat Hayden). He acts like Jerry Jones used to with Dallas. I can't believe how much freedom he uses and abuses. He does it because he understands this is his legacy.

Now, MR is willing to listen and try, regardless of "Friendships". This is were the previous staff didn't respond. MR isn't too proud or egotistical to cut bait, admit a bad hire and try to rectify the situation. MR understands he has to win.

** All in all, I think the change is good, and regardless of who is behind those decisions, it is being done to win games and to save jobs. If this happens, we will all be happy !

Do you have some sort of inside info on this. I am sure SE was part of the process, but I doubt that he went to MR and said you have to fire Banker.

I have some inside info yes, but from people who associate with the athletic department and have with SE. He does things his way. Not saying it is bad...that is for everyone's own opinion.

I think he does have a big say. This is why Bo is no longer here. Bo wouldn't conform to some things SE wanted changed. MR is doing what he and his boss believe the program needs.

** There is no hiding the fact that SE takes a very active role, if people just watch and listen to his comments.

BP is no longer at NU because Perlman and SE didn't want him here. It is a big difference to fire the HC and to flat out tell a HC how to run his staff and team. As I said I have no doubt that SE has had input into the situation, but I doubt he flat out came out and said you need to get rid of Banker now. Do I think SE discussed what he thought would help the program and he may have thought the DC position was a problem, probably.

I just don't think it was a you need to fire Banker now or else type of thing.

I am not saying that SE said "Banker or You"..... put I am sure it was suggested that changes needed to take place and MR decided Banker was the guy.

Fair enough, but in you initial post you said SE is directly behind the staff Changes which in my view is SE basically telling MR to get rid of Banker. If the thought wasn't in MR mnd I doubt he would have done it.

Gotcha....by "directly", I was saying that SE is telling MR that he needs to win and win now. He has also stated publicly that we need to recruit better. SE needs to have the program win. SE is more involved in football than the other sports combined. HE is directly behind the suggestions to "upgrade"... did not mean that he directly went after Banker. Sorry that my first post implied that.

 

[Oade]

First, I am fairly excited to see a new DC. I have never been on board with Banker and Read needed to go, based on results or lack of.

To answer question: Shawn Eichorst is directly behind the staff changes. Eichorst future with Nebraska is based solely on the success of the football team. Whether for /against the coaching change, it was a hotly debated issue. When he brought in MR, many Nebraska fans and national media, were less than impressed.

If MR doesn't pan out, it will be completely on Eichorst and he is well aware that his job and legacy depends on this. He flat out said in interviews that our talent level needs to increase. Ironically, 3 of our least productive recruiters are gone. Eichorst is on the sideline and inside the player's box every game, more than any other A.D. I have ever seen (Maybe Pat Hayden). He acts like Jerry Jones used to with Dallas. I can't believe how much freedom he uses and abuses. He does it because he understands this is his legacy.

Now, MR is willing to listen and try, regardless of "Friendships". This is were the previous staff didn't respond. MR isn't too proud or egotistical to cut bait, admit a bad hire and try to rectify the situation. MR understands he has to win.

** All in all, I think the change is good, and regardless of who is behind those decisions, it is being done to win games and to save jobs. If this happens, we will all be happy !

I agree for the most part. I like the change, I also like the initiative taken by both SE and MR - they both deserve credit.... I don't agree with the general idea that this is an attempt (or abuse of powers) by SE to save his job -- this is his job! I would be more concerned if he was any less involved than he is.

It is the responsibility of everyone within the program to work together, not against each other - just like at any other successful business, everyone needs to be on the same page, working toward the same common goal.

It is SE's job to review, assess, and critique the quality of work by all of the coaches. It's also MR's job (as it was Bo's, and anyone else who has a job) to accept the critique of a superior at work, especially when the critique is as obvious as it is/has been at NU, and take appropriate actions. MR deserves some freedom and latitude in regards to his staff, but they are still part of the AD's responsibilities - regardless of the AD's own job security.

SE may have brought up the idea of staff changes, but that doesn't mean he's abusing his powers. He gave Bo several chances to make some changes before firing him, and I'm sure this is the same situation, only MR is smart and humble enough to accept advice from a superior at work. I doubt any changes would have come from SE this season if MR declined to make changes, or if MR explained why these assistants were more important to the success of NU than SE (or most of us) would give credit for, but I can't imagine an "annual review" meeting taking place between SE and MR without these issues coming up.

 

[RunMickeyRun02]

OWH always starting s***

Sells papers, gets clicks.

 

[Enhance]

OWH always starting s***

Sells papers, gets clicks.

So wait, you guys are saying a media entity is writing content its viewers may be interested in... in order to turn a profit????

 

[84HuskerLaw]

I totally agree Nebraska is destination job, the only things missing are some level of satisfactory success, and a truckload of $$$. The doors to the truck just opened with the hiring of diaco as long as that hire turns out. I think if Nebraska has a breakout season like penn state had this year, you open the door to a lot of guys that wouldn't get near Nebraska. Because at that point you inherit a much, much, much happier fan base who aren't wanting your head at every moment of everyday.

Actually a breakout season with some level of success (presumably a conference title or something major) would likely put even more pressure on the coaches and no amount of money is going to 'fix' that in a way. Nothing like a little taste of success will cause the craving for more to explode.

Coaches who would shy away from Nebraska are not going to become championship level coaches anywhere because they lack the courage and the convictions and confidence to get R done. I give Mike Riley credit for having the guts to walk away from a dam good gig in a very comfortable place like Corvallis. He could have coasted the last 6 or 8 years there with his close friends and family and retire without a great deal of fan or media pressure. No silly 'reporters' from local and or national media orgs asking 'hard' or suggestive questions about you, your coaching decisions, your players and their misdeeds, etc.

Instead of relaxing with a nice job in a comfortable quiet life, he chose to take on one of the biggest coaching challenges in the country - resurrecting Nebraska football. Undoubtedly one of the toughest jobs in the Nation (in the coaching realm). Bigger money but I am sure Riley is very well set financially before he came here. A few more million in the bank won't change the way they live much. Family, friends, weather, homes, workload, recruiting, fan pressure, etc etc. Nothing would be 'the same' in Lincoln as it was. You have to give Riley some acknowledgement for his guts, determination, grit and energy. He is making changes and I believe he is doing everything that he can and has been asked of him by the Athletic Department and his bosses in the course of his job. He understands what his job is and what is being asked - to Make Nebraska Great Again (and it can't take too long to do it either). Figuring out what's right and what's wrong and then going about making it all work together well takes some time and the rules don't let you make wholesale changes overnight. Rotating a few coaches after a couple years is not uncommon. It is likely we will see a couple more replacements next year and maybe the year after. Some will leave for new opportunities while others will be asked to leave. This is the nature of college coaching. Even Nebraska (a great place without question) has some unhappy campers who move on to find comfort elsewhere.

 

[PaulCrewe]

Considering that most of Riley's original staff had no business being brought to Lincoln, it's no surprise and no credit to him that 4 of the 9 are gone. I remember hearing about how great of a staff this was, experienced and a huge upgrade. Yet they haven't come close to what the previous staff accomplished.

The bad thing is that the whole offensive side is intact. None of them have any business being in Lincoln. I'll give Cav and Davis one more year of a pass, but that whole crew is an embarassment. Awful.

Lol seriously? Keith Williams has no business at Nebraska?

It's ok to have an opposing viewpoint, but for people to take your opposing viewpoint seriously, it has to at least make sense.

Pretty sure it was geared towards the OSU guys he brought with. He even says Langs and Cav. There was no connection with KWilliams prior to this job.

 

[In the Deed the Glory]

Considering that most of Riley's original staff had no business being brought to Lincoln, it's no surprise and no credit to him that 4 of the 9 are gone. I remember hearing about how great of a staff this was, experienced and a huge upgrade. Yet they haven't come close to what the previous staff accomplished.

The bad thing is that the whole offensive side is intact. None of them have any business being in Lincoln. I'll give Cav and Davis one more year of a pass, but that whole crew is an embarassment. Awful.

Lol seriously? Keith Williams has no business at Nebraska?

It's ok to have an opposing viewpoint, but for people to take your opposing viewpoint seriously, it has to at least make sense.

Pretty sure it was geared towards the OSU guys he brought with. He even says Langs and Cav. There was no connection with KWilliams prior to this job.

Not when he references the 4 staff members that have been let go or moved on. Two of those were not Oregon State guys either. He is just delusional if he thinks Trent Bray and Keith Williams have no business at Nebraska.