Donavon Raiola

[longtimer]

Nebraska offensive line coach and uncle of the Raiola boys. There is talk that he wanted a raise from an already ridiculous salary and Rhule said no. And now plans to package both Kids and hit the road for greener pastures ($$$). Just unsubstantiated rumors but the kind I like
Nebraska and Rhule are kind of in a precarious spot. He has a lousy class coming in and if flops in the portal could all be interesting if not entertaining
And that after they gave him a big extension

No way we want any of the Raiola

 

[kameltoez102]

I’ve seen rumors stating similar things. What is sickening to me is that it seems they are dictating where they want these kids to go rather than just letting the kids go off on their own and set their own legacy. It’s has always happened it just seems to be increasing. it’s gross when they make the kid’s journey their own. They had their chance time to back off.

 

[DrKnipe]

It’s a heck of a place to be bargaining from! Some team will give them what they want

 

[NorthKCHawk]

We don't know the family dynamics here at all. Maybe they are tight knit and understand that negotiating as a group will raise the price for everyone. Clearly, the Uncle has the least amount of actual leverage just as a run of the mill OL coach, but if he has both boys in his pocket, then he has a lot to bargain with. I am finding it amusing that Donovan is doing this to his alma mater. Then again, this sort of leverage will never come around again.

 

[Fryowa]

We don't know the family dynamics here at all. Maybe they are tight knit and understand that negotiating as a group will raise the price for everyone. Clearly, the Uncle has the least amount of actual leverage just as a run of the mill OL coach, but if he has both boys in his pocket, then he has a lot to bargain with. I am finding it amusing that Donovan is doing this to his alma mater. Then again, this sort of leverage will never come around again.

Most nebraska fans I know hate Donnie pretty bad, they've definitely regressed in OL play each year that he's been here.

Rob Zatechka has a pretty good analysis of it on the latest Doc Talk pod. Highly recommend that podcast, he's one of the very few level-headed huskers out there. Has a lot of respect for Iowa and a lot of credibility on what he says being a trophy winner at his position and playing on a national champ team. Doesn't buy in at all to the typical "at least we have natty trophies" bullshit you hear from most of them. He knows they suck, they've sucked for a long time, and really wants his team to get better. I can respect that.

Zatechka is not a fan of Donnie and thinks it's time for him to move on. That would also probably mean his nephew moves on but 1) I think that's probably going to happen anyway, and 2) I don't think he's head and shoulders better than Lateef. They're just different and in fairness to Lateef the guy got absolutely thrown to the wolves.

 

[Fryowa]

Also, I follow the huskers to an unhealthy level and nowhere have I seen anyone say Donnie will be sought after as a coach. He's below average and most of the consensus says it was mostly a deal where nebraska wanted Dylan eventually (way worse than his uncle) and that's the main reason he came aboard. I think this is Donnie's last rodeo in P4 football.

He also loves to talk about his 5 year NFL career, but the guy played half of exactly one game in 2010 when the Bucs' center got hurt.