More Nebbie Dysfunction

[kameltoez102]

Initially I think so. I think had he wanted the job and jumped at it right away it'd have been his. That's the only reason he doesn't have it. Had this happened last yr he woulda took it. The whole timing is everything line comes into play for him and since he's not Lane Kiffin he has some self respect and awareness to the point where he just didn't want to go at this point of his tenure at Neb knowing how that'd go over. Especially right smack dab in the middle of the season. Maybe after it...

But PSU can't wait that long hell they've actually waited too long already in some respects. PSU I think caved to the internet mob of fans and did what they did. Had they let the season play out first they coulda gotten say Rhule if that's who they really wanted ( I think it is) Instead they got him an extension and a raise at Neb and they are left scrounging for a coach they weren't coveting. And I'm saying that as of today not knowing who the heck they are gonna get. The rumor is BYUs coach and what an odd fit that'd be. But it hasn't happened yet either so who knows

I saw some youtube videos about the BYU coach and he was very interested in the job but the Mormon church and power boosters got involved and are throwing some big time money at him and the program to keep him there. One video I saw there are many people inside the university that thinks the current guy should get the job and there is some big time friction and issues within the PSU admin. Todd McShay had an interesting video on it and a lot has to do with the agents and the current AD

 

[HawkPowerlifter]

Initially I think so. I think had he wanted the job and jumped at it right away it'd have been his. That's the only reason he doesn't have it. Had this happened last yr he woulda took it. The whole timing is everything line comes into play for him and since he's not Lane Kiffin he has some self respect and awareness to the point where he just didn't want to go at this point of his tenure at Neb knowing how that'd go over. Especially right smack dab in the middle of the season. Maybe after it...

But PSU can't wait that long hell they've actually waited too long already in some respects. PSU I think caved to the internet mob of fans and did what they did. Had they let the season play out first they coulda gotten say Rhule if that's who they really wanted ( I think it is) Instead they got him an extension and a raise at Neb and they are left scrounging for a coach they weren't coveting. And I'm saying that as of today not knowing who the heck they are gonna get. The rumor is BYUs coach and what an odd fit that'd be. But it hasn't happened yet either so who knows

I hear the CEO of Crumble Cookie, an alum, is doing whatever it takes to keep the BYU coach there. Again, he has built a culture there, and recruits a specific type of player. BYU is formidable. It would be an interesting move for him.

As for Rhule, I like him better than Pelini or Frost. Callahan just never fit. Although, it seems the last two years he's gotten a bit more chippy about Iowa. He seemed broken and at a loss post game. He did admit Iowa was the better team.

Much like Fickle, you almost have to ride it out with him and hope for improvement. But next year their schedule is considerably tougher and I think recruiting is tanking by the day. I think his stock with Penn State has tanked too. Earlier he made have had some bargaining ability, but I think even Penn State questions his ability to lead that program.

I would bet if he stays next year will be a make a break year for him. Otherwise the bug eaters will run him.

 

[Hawkfnntn]

I saw some youtube videos about the BYU coach and he was very interested in the job but the Mormon church and power boosters got involved and are throwing some big time money at him and the program to keep him there. One video I saw there are many people inside the university that thinks the current guy should get the job and there is some big time friction and issues within the PSU admin. Todd McShay had an interesting video on it and a lot has to do with the agents and the current AD

I like Todd too I may have to check that out. That makes sense those folks out there have $ there's no doubt about that.

 

[Hawkfnntn]

I hear the CEO of Crumble Cookie, an alum, is doing whatever it takes to keep the BYU coach there. Again, he has built a culture there, and recruits a specific type of player. BYU is formidable. It would be an interesting move for him.

As for Rhule, I like him better than Pelini or Frost. Callahan just never fit. Although, it seems the last two years he's gotten a bit more chippy about Iowa. He seemed broken and at a loss post game. He did admit Iowa was the better team.

Much like Fickle, you almost have to ride it out with him and hope for improvement. But next year their schedule is considerably tougher and I think recruiting is tanking by the day. I think his stock with Penn State has tanked too. Earlier he made have had some bargaining ability, but I think even Penn State questions his ability to lead that program.

I would bet if he stays next year will be a make a break year for him. Otherwise the bug eaters will run him.

Well Rhule got that new deal they aren't gonna fire him after 1 yr of that with however crazy high the buyout would be. Neb is married to Rhule for a few yrs anyway unless he wants to pull a Kiffin and just leave I don't see them getting divorced for awhile anyway. I'd say 3 yrs minimum unless things were to just go wildly off the tracks. 7-5 won't get him fired anytime soon now.

The Fickle thing surprises me. Wisky is really going against the grain by keeping him for another yr. Which initially when I'd heard the AD say that I scoffed and figured that was lip service. I figured both he and Fickle would be gone shortly after the season. But it hasn't happened yet so hell if I know. That seems to be a more untenable situation then what PSU was or even MSU. Anyone with delusions of grandeur that Wisky is going to turn it around next yr with Fickle being back has another thing coming.

 

[HawkPowerlifter]

Well Rhule got that new deal they aren't gonna fire him after 1 yr of that with however crazy high the buyout would be. Neb is married to Rhule for a few yrs anyway unless he wants to pull a Kiffin and just leave I don't see them getting divorced for awhile anyway. I'd say 3 yrs minimum unless things were to just go wildly off the tracks. 7-5 won't get him fired anytime soon now.

The Fickle thing surprises me. Wisky is really going against the grain by keeping him for another yr. Which initially when I'd heard the AD say that I scoffed and figured that was lip service. I figured both he and Fickle would be gone shortly after the season. But it hasn't happened yet so hell if I know. That seems to be a more untenable situation then what PSU was or even MSU. Anyone with delusions of grandeur that Wisky is going to turn it around next yr with Fickle being back has another thing coming.

I don't disagree with either take. I would say the heat is more on Rhule. I'm guessing he met with the AD and did some damage control. One casualty was the D-Coordinator. I'm almost guessing Riola's uncle will leave on his own or be shown the door.

However, I think the fan base is still living in the 90's and delusional. You hear it ever year along with the hype. I don't see them turning around in one year unless they have a truckload of cash and buy recruits because their recruiting can't be trending up.

I think with Wisconsin, they are almost in more of a pickle. Fickle's buyout is a lot. And I doubt Wisconsin has the money that Nebraska does. They showed some promise at the end of the year beating Illinois. I think they give Fickle another year or two.

Rhule seemed at a loss. Almost broken. He said all the right things about it being unacceptable, but one would wonder if maybe he has had a change of heart about staying. He may see the writing on the wall with a tougher schedule and no identity. Question is if he wants to leave, would Penn State even want him anymore. His body of work is less than impressive.

 

[kameltoez102]

Well Rhule got that new deal they aren't gonna fire him after 1 yr of that with however crazy high the buyout would be. Neb is married to Rhule for a few yrs anyway unless he wants to pull a Kiffin and just leave I don't see them getting divorced for awhile anyway. I'd say 3 yrs minimum unless things were to just go wildly off the tracks. 7-5 won't get him fired anytime soon now.

The Fickle thing surprises me. Wisky is really going against the grain by keeping him for another yr. Which initially when I'd heard the AD say that I scoffed and figured that was lip service. I figured both he and Fickle would be gone shortly after the season. But it hasn't happened yet so hell if I know. That seems to be a more untenable situation then what PSU was or even MSU. Anyone with delusions of grandeur that Wisky is going to turn it around next yr with Fickle being back has another thing coming.

I am surprised by Fickel as well because I had either read or listened to a locked on Wisconsin or something like that and Fickel is not very popular amongst many of the Instate High School coaches. I guess he has really only focused on the big schools and has been non responsive to others that have reached out. Not a good look when you need those local kids to build and develop the program.

It will be interesting to see how these schools that hold out and move past the huge buyouts gain long term. These large buyouts when combined with stadium and facility upgrades are putting a lot of stress on some big time programs and if they aren't winning or seeing progress at some point the faucet is going to dry up.

 

[Fryowa]

Initially I think so. I think had he wanted the job and jumped at it right away it'd have been his. That's the only reason he doesn't have it. Had this happened last yr he woulda took it. The whole timing is everything line comes into play for him and since he's not Lane Kiffin he has some self respect and awareness to the point where he just didn't want to go at this point of his tenure at Neb knowing how that'd go over. Especially right smack dab in the middle of the season. Maybe after it...

But PSU can't wait that long hell they've actually waited too long already in some respects. PSU I think caved to the internet mob of fans and did what they did. Had they let the season play out first they coulda gotten say Rhule if that's who they really wanted ( I think it is) Instead they got him an extension and a raise at Neb and they are left scrounging for a coach they weren't coveting. And I'm saying that as of today not knowing who the heck they are gonna get. The rumor is BYUs coach and what an odd fit that'd be. But it hasn't happened yet either so who knows

If they were smart they'd hire Terry Smith. But they won't.

 

[kameltoez102]

If they were smart they'd hire Terry Smith. But they won't.

I had heard there are many in the building that really want him and that included many players.

 

[Hawkfnntn]

I am surprised by Fickel as well because I had either read or listened to a locked on Wisconsin or something like that and Fickel is not very popular amongst many of the Instate High School coaches. I guess he has really only focused on the big schools and has been non responsive to others that have reached out. Not a good look when you need those local kids to build and develop the program.

It will be interesting to see how these schools that hold out and move past the huge buyouts gain long term. These large buyouts when combined with stadium and facility upgrades are putting a lot of stress on some big time programs and if they aren't winning or seeing progress at some point the faucet is going to dry up.

Iowa just flipped a kid that had been a TE recruit to them from the Detroit area. But it sounds like he'll be on the DL for us. I can't imagine that Wisky has anything close to a good recruiting class coming in and we just poached one of em. Jack Janda he's a 3 star 6'6 250 lbs

 

[Fryowa]

I don't disagree with either take. I would say the heat is more on Rhule. I'm guessing he met with the AD and did some damage control. One casualty was the D-Coordinator. I'm almost guessing Riola's uncle will leave on his own or be shown the door.

This ^^^

After Minnesota, USC, and Iowa someone's head had to roll no matter what. But the same thing happened to Frost and Riley and eventually their heads rolled too.

 

[Hawkfnntn]

If they were smart they'd hire Terry Smith. But they won't.

Seems like a last resort.. I wouldn't rule him out just yet though. I only say that because of how this is dragging out. Eventually they gotta hire someone.

 

[Fryowa]

Iowa just flipped a kid that had been a TE recruit to them from the Detroit area. But it sounds like he'll be on the DL for us. I can't imagine that Wisky has anything close to a good recruiting class coming in and we just poached one of em. Jack Janda he's a 3 star 6'6 250 lbs

That kind of size is the one thing you can't coach, Iowa can physically turn that kid into a positional award winner.

 

[Fryowa]

Seems like a last resort.. I wouldn't rule him out just yet though. I only say that because of how this is dragging out. Eventually they gotta hire someone.

Wisconsin's players all wanted Leonhard coaching Wisconsin too. But the AD and donors thought he wasn't good enough so they bought a new Ferrari named Fickell, who turned out to be a Chevy Cavalier with a nice paint job.

 

[NorthKCHawk]

Terry Smith is not the answer at PSU. Its an ok feel good story, but he is not an impressive coach, a bit on the older side, and was a high school coach not all that long ago. If PSU cannot find someone better than that, they are not trying. That said, the new coach should absolutely keep him on the staff if he can.

How Fickle kept his job is beyond me. I honestly thought he might get fired after the Iowa game. That team has no heart and not much talent. Don't see that changing over night.

If PSU really wanted Rhule they could back up the Brinks truck. I doubt they do. Rhule is honestly about the best Nebbie can do right now. If he can luck into a good DC, and keep Holgorson for a couple more years, they might be able to sustain 6-9 wins a season.

 

[HawkPowerlifter]

Wisconsin's players all wanted Leonhard coaching Wisconsin too. But the AD and donors thought he wasn't good enough so they bought a new Ferrari named Fickell, who turned out to be a Chevy Cavalier with a nice paint job.

I was perplexed by that move too. Was a helluva D-Coordinator and former stud for them. Would have thought that transition would have made much more sense. But Fickell was the shiny new object with his success at Cincy.

 

[kameltoez102]

Terry Smith is not the answer at PSU. Its an ok feel good story, but he is not an impressive coach, a bit on the older side, and was a high school coach not all that long ago. If PSU cannot find someone better than that, they are not trying. That said, the new coach should absolutely keep him on the staff if he can.

How Fickle kept his job is beyond me. I honestly thought he might get fired after the Iowa game. That team has no heart and not much talent. Don't see that changing over night.

If PSU really wanted Rhule they could back up the Brinks truck. I doubt they do. Rhule is honestly about the best Nebbie can do right now. If he can luck into a good DC, and keep Holgorson for a couple more years, they might be able to sustain 6-9 wins a season.

From some of the things I am hearing on-line is PSU may not be as financially strong as many think. The buyout and stadium improvements that they are on the hook for has some people second guessing things. Maybe those people are wrong but it's fun watching how this plays out

 

[HawkPowerlifter]

Iowa just flipped a kid that had been a TE recruit to them from the Detroit area. But it sounds like he'll be on the DL for us. I can't imagine that Wisky has anything close to a good recruiting class coming in and we just poached one of em. Jack Janda he's a 3 star 6'6 250 lbs

Hoping with Nebby and Wisconsin having their woes, we get some flips in commitments and start building a few super solid recruiting classes. I think Illinois has a solid class coming in. And of course with Indiana, tOSU, Michigan, and Oregon, we have plenty of competition for talent. Minny and Fleck always seem to grab some decent recruits as well.

 

[swanssy]

The thing with this is, what are they going to try next? They've had:

An NFL head coach that took his team to the Super Bowl
An NFL head coach that was also a head coach at a P4 school for 14 years
A coach that went undefeated at his previous school that came back home and had all the support and resources to win
An NFL heach coach who also took 1 college team that had 2 wins one year to 10 wins 2 and 3 years later and another that won 1 game to 11 wins and the Sugar Bowl 2 years later

What is next? They've tried everything. Fire this one and start over again?

I honestly thought if anyone could do it, a guy like Rhule could do it. He's done it before. Seems to be level headed. Not gimmicky. I really didn't like it when he was hired. You could see the realization on his face Friday that he is in it deep and there may be no way out. He also realized that, while he resurrected 2 programs that seemed dead, some programs are too dead for even him to resurrect.

The common denominator in all of this? A very toxic and dead program.

If you look more closely at Rhule's resume, he really hasn't ever done much against Top 25 schools. He usually leaves as soon as they get that quick turnaround before having to show real results. He would have been a disaster if he got the Penn St. job. Nebby's problem is they keep trying to reinvent the wheel instead of doing what used to be their bread and butter. Solid OL/DL play and win the battle in the trenches. Here's hoping they never figure it out!

 

[CP87]

There is an interesting Freakonomics episode on one-hit wonders vs. hit-makers based upon this research from Justin Berg at Stanford. The author's takeaway was that sustained hit-making was strongly related to an artist/band possessing a diverse and creative portfolio at the time of their first hit, which in turn was related to artists/bands having to toil in obscurity for a long time, do a lot of exploration, try out a bunch of new things, etc. Think about the Beatles struggling to make things work in Liverpool for years. On the flip side, artists/bands that struck early gold were often trapped by the expectation that they would just keep doing the same thing over and over again...either they were afraid to deviate from the formula that worked once, or they were discouraged from doing so by outside pressures.

I think there is wisdom here that can be applied to looking for coaches. Look at Curt Cignetti. He spent 25 years as an NCAA position coach at 6 different programs prior to his first HC gig. He then climbed the ladder of HC positions (IUP for 6 seasons, Elon for 2, JMU for 5). Dude built up his portfolio and certainly explored many different ways to coach. By the time he got to P4, he had a deep bag of tricks to pull from.

On the flip side, look at someone like BF. He was incubated almost entirely within the same system, and because of his lineage, he was given positions that he otherwise would have had to work much harder to earn. That is not to say he was not capable of coaching OL or TE, just that if his name was Brian Smith, he would have worked hard to get into those same spots. This probably worked against his long-term success. You can think of the 2017 OSU game as his one-hit, and he kept trying to go back to the same well, instead of exploring different ways to attack teams.

So, if we had to choose between Curt Cignetti or BF as our next HC, I would probably lean toward Cignetti.

I know it is not going to happen, but Phil Parker reminds me a lot of the defensive version of Cignetti, right down to the personality. He certainly hasn't moved around as much (he has been at Iowa forever), but he has been around the block and seen lots of stuff. He is currently the same age Cignetti was when he took the Indiana job. I would not be opposed to making him a Godfather offer to shepherd the next 4-5 years after the eventual KF retirement.

 

[MelroseHawkins]

The problem is the fan base, they still think of themselves as a blue chip program when that is long gone. They need to accept who they are and stop firing their head coaches. It all started when they fired Solich then when they got lucky with Pelini after the Callahan fiasco but then they decided he wasn't good enough. They keep looking for their next Tom Osborne and all they keep doing is making their program worse.

I fear this happens at Iowa. I cringe thinking about what could happen after Ferentz does retire. We've been spoiled by Hayden Fry and Kirk Ferentz when a couple of bad moves and this program could be another Nebraska.

All they do is keep searching with unattainable expectations at this point. It's the proverbial gerbil in the wheel. It's kind of fun to watch. Their fans need to understand who and where they are in the college football landscape this day and age.