At least it's not televised. Here's an article talking about your boy and how Byrne is in the same situation as Pederson. Before the season started, Texas A&M's trip to Nebraska this week figured to affect the Big 12 title race. Now, just call it the Contract Buyout Bowl. Dennis Franchione appeared to have the market cornered on negative headlines after hare-brained coaching in a loss at Miami and then making money off a secret e-mail newsletter without his boss's approval, possibly violating NCAA rules and federal laws. His players tried to rally around Fran but were demolished in Lubbock by old friend Texas Tech. The Red Raiders won, 35-7, on Saturday as defensive coordinator Ruffin McNeil joined Tech quarterback Graham Harrell and receiver Michael Crabtree of Carter in rock-star status. But if we were in New York City, it would be safe to say Nebraska's Bill Callahan could knock Franchione off the back page of the tabloids. Callahan has turned the most respectful fans in college football into disinterested boo-birds, making it easy to forget the program was once set on autopilot for winning. On Saturday, one week after getting drilled, 41-6, at Missouri, Nebraska allowed a school-record 38 first-half points at home. The Cornhuskers fell behind, 38-0, before losing, 45-14, to Oklahoma State. "I'm not worried about my job," Callahan said after his Big 12 record fell to 14-13 in four seasons. "I'm just going to do the best I can, and whatever happens happens. I don't think you can coach in fear or coach like you're scared of something." Nebraska athletic director Steve Pederson fired Frank Solich in 2003 at the end of a 10-3 season. Solich had a six-year record of 58-19 (.753) and played for a national title in 2001. When Pederson announced Solich's firing, he said Nebraska wasn't content with mediocrity and would no longer concede Big 12 titles to Oklahoma and Texas. Now, Pederson and Callahan are probably serving their final days in Lincoln. Their contract extensions before this season mean Nebraska chancellor Harvey Perlman may also be in trouble if the university's board of regents decides new blood is needed. Colleges Tell Us: South champ? Here's what Pederson and Nebraska fans have gotten in four seasons with Callahan: •In 2004, his first year in Nebraska, the team nearly led the nation in turnovers and set a school record for points allowed in a 70-10 loss at Texas Tech. •The 2004 team went 5-6 and ended two of the school's most prized accomplishments: 42 years without a losing season and 35 straight bowl appearances. •In 2005, Nebraska lost to Kansas, 40-15, ending the Big Red's 36-year winning streak against the Jayhawks. •Along the way, Callahan was quoted calling OU fans "(expletive) hillbillies" and was reprimanded by the Big 12 for making a throat-slash gesture. He even called Kansas State quarterback Josh Freeman a primadonna when Freeman dropped his oral commitment to Nebraska. Can you imagine Tom Osborne calling a high school kid names in the press? Nebraska coach Bill Callahan saw his team allow 38 points in the first half to Oklahoma State. AP Nebraska coach Bill Callahan saw his team allow 38 points in the first half to Oklahoma State. But Callahan appeared to turn the corner with Nebraska fans by beating Michigan in the 2005 Alamo Bowl. Then the Cornhuskers won the Big 12 North last season. But in the Cotton Bowl against Auburn, Callahan brought back all the previous nightmares. Early in the first half, he called a fake punt that was botched inside his own 30-yard-line , leading to an easy Auburn touchdown. Then, on fourth-and-11 with two minutes left to play, he called for a pass instead of going for a 47-yard field goal that would have tied the score. The pass fell incomplete, and Nebraska lost, 17-14. This year, Nebraska was humiliated at home by USC; barely defeated 23-point underdog Ball State, 41-40; and then was routed by Missouri and Oklahoma State. Texas A&M athletic director Bill Byrne left the same job at Nebraska in December 2002, avoiding the firing-and-hiring mess that engulfs the Cornhuskers this season. But Byrne probably has his own mess to deal with in College Station. The most heated competition between Texas A&M and Nebraska may not be on the field Saturday in Lincoln but in the back hallways, where the schools will decide who will lead these teams next year.
I just didn't see this comming for Neb or A&M, I really thought that this would be one of those turning the corner years for both programs. Where the critical mass of the coaches own recruits finally takes affect and a big leap forward is made. Anybody have any ideas where these programs go for new coaches? Bo Pellini is going to be a hot coach this offseason. His name is mentioned for both A&M and Neb. Who else is in the running? Boise State coach?
I gotta believe Pellini is going back to Lincoln.....if memory serves he was the D-coord and led them to a big win as an interim head coach just prior to Callahans term. Husker, did I get that right? You know if you guys had done the right thing and hired that Buckeye you wouldn't be in this mess and the "Blackshirts" would be badasses!
Buck T, you did get it right. He was given a token interview by Pederson, then promptly fired by Callahan who cleaned house with the exception of Turner Gill, who Callhan knew if he axed, would immediately offend Husker fans. BTW, Turner is doing great things at Buffalo U. I'm not exactly sure if Bo is the one. Believe it or not, I don't want to bring back the days of old, to many effective offenses out there, but I want passion and effort to go along with a well balanced team. NONE OF THAT EXISTS RIGHT NOW. The Husker nation is in an uproar. Boosters, fans, everyone wants changes. Plus, this is going to create huge problems for recruiting. We have some serious 4 and 5 star kids in the balance.
Pederson has been fired..... http://news.aol.com/sports/story/_a/nebraska-fires-athletic-director/n20071015161309990003
Thanks for the news Sid, And away we go.... Better turn it around Bill, the people have spoken. Dr. Tom needs a job. Good fit for the AD. Doubt if he has the energy anymore.
Well when you fire the AD for lack of progress of the football program, you are certainly setting the table to fire the coach. I think that's a tough situation to put the new AD in and most likely will result in Callahan being retained unless the Chancellor fires him as well. I would be anybody interviewing for the AD job would want a year at least to evaluate the coaching situation. I couldn't imagine his marching orders to be on your 1st day learn the phone system and the names of the people on your office staff then call a press conference and fire Callahan. That's what people expected of Kevin White when he was hired at ND, but he didn't do it and probably told them he wouldn't unless he had a chance to evaluate him...so he waited a year and then he fired Davie but he had to be pushed. So what I'm saying is could you Neb guys please hire Kevin White.
I'm kind of jealous. The NU folks have seen the writing on the wall in only 3 bad years, while it has taken my brain-trust 5+. I would be surprised if Turner Gill isn't candidate #1 for the Huskers. Pellini doesn't excite me as must as some other folks, and I don't think he's that high on our list. Interestingly enough... there are indications that Tubberville might be on the short list. It sounds like he hasn't forgotten that time when some in the Aubrn AD wanted him gone. Not sure how I feel about having RC part two, but the guy has an incredible record against top 10 teams so who am I to judge. Terry, I got EXACTLY what I expected this year. More of the same Fran crap. The guy is mediocre at best, and probably will never work at a D1 school again. Doesn't hurt my feelings after what he's put us through.