Why It Might Work: Strong was a top candidate at Texas for a reason. At both places he was ultimately a disappointment. Mike Farrell reveals Top 10 coaching candidates for Nebraska "I appreciate the work and sacrifices these men have made for the University of Nebraska and this football program . Thats an untenable situation for any head coach. Eligibility restrictions apply. featured Nebraska football coaching candidates roundtable Gavin Struve, Joseph Maier, Noah Buchholtz Nov. 11, 2022 Art by Jodi Soptic Nearly two full months have passed since former Nebraska football head coach Scott Frost was relieved of his duties. That changed when he brought in Tom Allen, who took over after Wilson was oustedpartly from clashing with the community, among other things. And, surprisingly, even after two head coaching jobs, it still feels to some like his potential remains untapped. He is obsessed with winning and is known for relentless coaching, sometimes to unhealthy levels. He's a grinder who revels in the foundation-setting portion of a coach's tenure and would embrace the task of digging Nebraska out from the depths of recent embarrassment. Why It Might Work: Doeren runs the ball Big Ten style at NC State, and theyre very good at it. A steady program builder with no flash means that hed be a complete unknown when it comes to recruiting. Why It Might Not: Its Jon Gruden. Hes never been a head coach but Johnsons acumen as an assistant makes him someone likely to get an offer soon. Hes been doing well at Toledo for seven years. Meyer also does not appear to be the most ethical coach in the world, and theres a general sliminess about him that seems to come with the cost of winning. Hes a household name and hes crazy. But regardless, this is a candidate that needs to be addressed. Hes very much an old-school style coach and appears more stubborn than most. The former was a perennial bottom feeder which he transformed into a conference champion, and the latter was reeling from the Art Briles scandal. As anoff-field Nebraska assistant in the early 2000s, he understands the program, the expectations and, importantly, the disadvantages that come with the position. Gruden hasnt even sniffed, let alone showed interest, in a college head coaching job in his entire career, but that wont stop people from pounding the table for him. This FanPost created by a registered user of Corn Nation. But the Cornhuskers can offer money and the chance to be the biggest show in town something he'll never, ever get with the Wildcats, which has worn on Stoops as evidenced by his public back-and-forth with basketball coach John Calipari. He could be one of college football's most unsung program builders. Tom Herman: In Herman, Arizona State would get a coach with an excellent overall record (54-22 at Texas and Houston) who has ties to both Texas and California.Herman has two AP top-10 finishes, no . He struggled (to put it mildly) to develop a quarterback. He also greatly benefited from Texas falling off and a Big 12 in flux with Missouri, Nebraska, and Texas A&M all leaving for other conferences. Admittedly there would be some excitement, but now with the controversy thats attached to him, its probably just not worth it. Closing Comment: Its odd that Campbell didnt make a jump to a better job after last season. First, Moorhead probably isnt leaving Akron after one year. Aside from 2021, hes had an impressive coaching career and Nebraska should definitely consider him. Closing Comment: Given the state of Pittsburghs and Nebraskas programs, some might consider this a lateral move. Knighton was a standout defensive lineman at Temple and was a third-round NFL Draft pick, playing in more than 100 games during his seven-year professional career and tallying 231 tackles from 2009 to 2015. Why It Might Work: Aside from the serious blow it would deal to a division opponent, Flecks prowess as a recruiter and coach are well known by this point. Johnsons lack of experience in that area means every aspect of how hed run the program would be unknown until we see it. Pernell: Frost Needs a Miracle - Sports Illustrated Many believe he was one of the original architects of the spread offense. Why It Might Work: Hes a phenomenal recruiter and has demonstrated the ability to both scout and develop talent. And if he does, would he stick around? The current steward of North Dakota States juggernaut program in the FCS, Entz has an unsurprisingly great record of 37-4 going into the 2022 season. He didnt, but a lot of that was because he didnt have internal support. The meltdown in Minneapolis would be legendary. His final year at Texas saw a massive recruiting drop, including reports that his own players were actively sabotaging visits. Assuming he agreed to come to Lincoln, how would he get on? He's 45 and very much seems primed for a jump. You may know him as the former OC who helped Penn State to their Big Ten championship in 2016. And even though hes now saddled with one of college footballs toughest projects at Kansas, many believe he has the Jayhawks headed in the right direction. He hasnt pursued head coaching gigs very much and might be more comfortable as an assistant. He did exceptionally well with very little. Florida Atlantics head coach has seen an up-and-down career where he was once considered one of the hottest commodities in college football. It would be a huge step up in expectations if Traylor came to Lincoln. Herman could be primed for a redemption. His special teams ranked in the top 25 nationally four times in his last five seasons at the collegiate level. But more important than nostalgia is how disciplined his teams are. The Black Knights havent been this good since the 1940s. This is a group that will relate well to prospective student-athletes from all parts of the country and sell Nebraska Football.. He has Big Ten bona fides from his days as Ohio States DC and would bring serious credibility to a Nebraska program looking to get competitive in the conference. Questions remain on. If not the easiest decision for him to make, Nebraska can simply offer more: more money in a better conference with a deeper reservoir of resources. But the biggest names in coaching aren't tossing aside a better situation simply for the opportunity to put their stamp on the Cornhuskers. Kentucky had no expectations when they hired him. Hes Miami of Ohios head coach, where hes been since 2014. Why It Might Work: Mendenhall quietly did an amazing job at BYU when they transitioned to an FBS Independent, but how he managed to find success in the salvage project he undertook at Virginiawhich had only 3 winning seasons in 10 years before he arrivedis even more impressive. Finally, aside from Bowling Green and Utah, hes mostly been at places with an advantage for success thats practically built-in. He might not want to take the risk himself. That kind of price tag in hindsight is laughable. His time in Ann Arbor was one catastrophe after another, and the mistakes he made set the program back significantly. In 2019, Coopers defensive backfield at Baylor helped the Bears rank fifth nationally in interceptions and 18th in pass efficiency defense. The coaching staff hires for Nebraska Football include: Corey Campbell, Head Football Strength and Conditioning, Marcus Satterfield, Offensive Coordinator. It would be a jarring cultural change for him to come to Big Ten country. Scott Frost has been fired. A competent athletic dept. Campbell led . Why It Might Work: It only took Urban Meyer two seasons to coach Utah to an undefeated season. While things can and will almost certainly change before the end of the regular season, these are five realistic names for the Nebraska opening among current Power Five head coaches. Matt Lubick, Greg Austin, Ryan Held, and Mario Verduzco are all dismissed at Nebraska, effective immediately. Arandas second season as a head coach was a surprise breakout, where the Bears won 12 games and upset Oklahoma State in the conference championship. Could he follow NCAA rules? Fleck, and hes one of the reasons Mel Tucker has found success at Colorado and MSU. Why It Might Work: Hes a Husker who happens to be an NFL head coach, almost won a Super Bowl, and hes only 39. This could be the best time in his career to go after him. It would be fascinating, though. While he wasnt spectacular in the SEC, he might find an easier time in the Big Ten. His recruiting ties to the Midwest (Ohio) make him a good fit for the Big Ten. It would all but confirm that Nebraska is interested primarily in giving the reins to former Huskers. Gambling Problem? Poaching him from the NFL would be a similar coup that would grab headlines across the country. Closing Comment: Like Matt Campbell, Fickell chose not to take any bigger job opportunities. Why It Might Not: Obligatory NDSU caveats. This seems like a name fairly low on the totem pole and would likely signal desperation. 11 Coaching Candidates to Replace Mike Riley at Nebraska At 63 with not much upside he is unlikely to be in high demand. Hes never even interviewed for a head coaching job in college. Anytime you nab a successful head coach from the SEC, its going to create buzz. Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/LA (select parishes)/MA/MD/MI/NH/NJ/NY/OH/OR/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Closing Comment: This seems like the safest pick. Okay, okay, in all seriousness, Grudens name gets floated only because hes so damn fun to watch. The Gophers have no business being this good, and it is still mind-boggling how Fleck fell into their lap. There may be a candidate who emerges who is not on this list, something thats very likely to happen. to get more serious about football, but now that they have, the results are showing. A program at the level of Nebraska seems above his competency, and at his age hed be seen as nothing more than a bridge coach. But now, Frost is done, and we have no idea what direction Nebraskas going to go. Why It Might Not: At 64, Bohl is definitely on the tail end of his coaching career, and it might be asking a lot for the guy to completely rebuild his alma mater into something respectable. Like Klieman, he's won big on lower levels of competition. Foley has served on Matt Rhules staff for eight of Rhules 10 seasons as a head coach, including each of the last four seasons. Is he worth hiring? Rhule also seems like a fine Big Ten fit. The head coach of Eastern Michigan has a long tenure of getting the most out of teams and programs with very little. Hes quietly leading one of the most competitive programs in the country, causing a ton of trouble for their opponents in the Mountain West. Another former Big Ten head coach, Hoke ran Michigan with mixed results. RE-RANK:There are four new top 10 teams in the NCAA Re-Rank 1-131, HIGHS AND LOWSs:Winners and losers from Week 2 in college football, UNDER RADAR:USC's domination, Michigan QB race leadthings you missed, MISERY INDEX:Jimbo Fisher continues to rob Texas A&M in broad daylight. Everything you ever wanted to know about the Huskers. His record at Washington is a somewhat less stellar 55-26, but he finished (or tied) first in the Pac-12 north division for three straight years, and won the conference championship twice. Maybe hes learned a lot and would want to take a crack at it again, in the Big Ten? Taking on the Nebraska job would place him squarely in the limelight. The first is the Big Names. Its odd that hes never been a head coach beyond the interim run with Maryland, which makes me think hes not really interested in it. Why It Might Work: Like Jeff Monken, Calhoun is 55 and is an established head coach well-versed in the triple-optionwhich, again, is the most difficult scheme to prepare for. Bringing that energy to Lincoln could make the Huskers a very dangerous program. 14 class in the nation by The Athletic in 2022, when it did a re-ranking of the 2018 signing class based on how the recruits performed in their collegiate careers. His record going into 2022 was 90-54, having coached at a couple spots at the FCS level. He got all that and then some at USF, and good lord, what a disaster. Campbell was elevated to the role of director of athletic performance at Baylor before he moved on to the Panthers. College football coaching search candidates: What we're hearing at Even if there are some benefits, the hire would reek of nepotism. ESPN first reported and The World-Herald confirmed that the Huskers are bringing in Evan Cooper, most recently the cornerbacks coach with the NFL's Carolina Panthers and someone who has worked with Rhule . Kansas was willing to take a chance, and it very much felt like throwing anything at a wall to see what sticks. His heyday at North Dakota State is tough to overlook, and his ties to Nebraska are very appealing. Why It Might Not: No Nebraska or Big Ten ties. Void in ONT. Hes the former head coach of the Florida Gators and, before that, the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Report Reveals 'Wild Card' Candidate To Be Nebraska's Next Head Coach Aranda probably wont be coming into the Big Ten with the same level of naive arrogance, shooting off his mouth about how the conference should adjust to him. Gill went on to become head coach at . This seems like a long shot, but anythings possible. Im sure youve heard of him. While Nebraska can almost certainly land him, it would become a much easier sell for Alberts and the athletics department if the Jayhawks can stay hot and make a run at bowl eligibility. After Mike Riley was fired in 2017, Bill Moos had one target that lined up with the consensus and all he had to do was get him. Why It Might Not: Setting aside the baggage that Malzahn allegedly would bring with a reportedly outspoken wife who creates drama, this guy seems entrenched in the deep South. Does Nebrsaka really want to try that again? He already knows the Big Ten and will likely be more prepared on what to expect given his time at Wisconsin. Closing Comment: The most impressive part of his resume is his time at GVSU, but how much of that can translate to Nebraska? He might be better served as a coordinator. Nebraska Head Football Coach Matt Rhule has assembled part of his first Husker staff with the hiring of six coaches on Thursday. The Gamecocks combined for 94 points and 1,008 yards of total offense in the two wins. Other FBS programs have gone after FCS champion coaches and the hit rate is usually low. Campbell comes to Lincoln after serving for two seasons as an assistant strength coach with the Carolina Panthers. The 3 leading Nebraska football candidates to replace Scott Frost, revealed Not long removed from coming under some scrutiny following a 4-8 finish in 2019, Doeren has the Wolfpack up to No. As a former Husker, he should receive the slack Mike Riley wasnt given. Barthel also helped attract a top-six recruiting class during his one season in a recruiting role at Penn State in 2017. He appears more ready for a jump to a mid-major. One wild card in there, Matt Rhule in the NFL on the hot seat with the Carolina Panthers." Feldman believes Campbell, Leipold, and Chadwell are the leading Nebraska football head coaching. Hes nuts. For this list Im mostly focusing on guys with at least some head coaching experiencemany current, some former. Scott Frost fired at Nebraska: Coaching candidates to lead Huskers How would the fan base react? Why It Might Not: Theres no question that the shine has worn off of Tom Herman. He was the DC at Wisconsin and LSU and is now coaching the Baylor Bears. And how motivated would he be? It's hard to believe, yet nearly impossible at the same time not to believe, that in two weeks, Nebraska will presumably have introduced its . He also would not be completely new to the Big Ten and might be more prepared in his second go-round. Nebraska athletics director Trev Alberts' comments, the university will pay more than $16 million, There are four new top 10 teams in the NCAA Re-Rank 1-131, Winners and losers from Week 2 in college football, USC's domination, Michigan QB race leadthings you missed, Jimbo Fisher continues to rob Texas A&M in broad daylight, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. A longer track record of head coaching success would make him a slam dunk. Hes also been a successful OC at Oregon from 2020-2021. His teams at both places have generally shown well against Big Ten opponents. The former Washington head coach who led the Huskies to their only CFP appearance and who also built Boise State one of the Group of Fives top level programs, Petersen is currently retired and seems happy to be so. Oh, look, another former North Dakota State head coach. Known for building Temple and Baylor into double-digit win teams despite difficult circumstances, Rhule is now trying to do it in the NFL with the Carolina Panthers. Why It Might Not: Taggart was presumably given every help and benefit at Florida State and his failure there was not just the result of impatient boosters. Like Doeren, he's spent years constructing Kentucky into an annual Top 25 contender. It could be fun. A Georgia graduate, Campbell was a two-year letterwinner and special teams standout for the Bulldogs from 2010 to 2013. In addition to his role as an assistant coach, Cooper served as the Carolina Panthers director of player evaluation for three seasons, and he was previously the director of player personnel at Baylor and Temple and an assistant director of player personnel at Miami. Hed be an obvious bridge coach who would have to do a lot to win over the skeptics. Nebraska football: 3 candidates to replace Scott Frost as coach Hes got a national championship ring as a head coach. What would he do with the offensive players recruited to a drastically different system? Hes known as an offensive mastermind and stands among college footballs brainiest schemers. He was Ohio States stellar OC on their national championship team in 2014. If nothing else, Kliemans teams have been solid and that would be a huge upgrade to the shoddy job Scott Frost has done. Why It Might Work: Canada did a remarkable job as Marylands interim HC. He losta lot. Nebraska Football: Coaching Candidates to Replace Scott Frost These are guys who might be a bit of a longshot fit-wise, or who have some issues, or would take a bit more convincing to get people on board. Also, reportedly, he has a bit of a temper. I may do a follow up article as the year goes on. Foley spent the past three seasons as an assistant special teams coach with the Panthers and previously worked with special teams at the collegiate level for seven consecutive seasons from 2013 to 2019. Closing Comment: Its a huge if whether he leaves an NFL coaching gig in his prime when the Bengals have finally achieved liftoff. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. His departure from Oregon also doesnt sit well and he seems to prefer the Florida region of the country. Leipold ran a powerhouse Division III program at Wisconsin-Whitewater, winning six national championships and playing for another, and then turned Buffalo into one of the top teams in the MAC. While things can and will almost certainly change before the end of the regular season, these are five realistic names for the Nebraska opening among current Power Five head coaches. You probably have an opinion on this person. He has the added track record of reeling in recruits out of Big Ten country, specifically Ohio. Hes a Youngstown State grad and famously served as Mark Dantonios aggressive DC at Michigan State. Why It Might Work: Hes got a lot of energy for someone in his late sixties. Obviously he wasnt ready for the big job in Austin, but maybe Nebraska might be a better fit. How could it not? Why It Might Work: Moorhead was an outstanding offensive mind at Penn State and the job he did there was the key in elevating the Nittany Lions to the next level. Why It Might Not: Was Fickells rejection of MSU a signal he wants to stay put long term, or is he leery of Big Ten competition and high expectations which he knows all too well? Oh, wait, you mean yeah, okay. Hes considerably more experienced than Monken and has a longer record. In addition, while his teams have done well overall, there are times when his ability as a play-caller has been costly. To no ones surprise, hes doing well as Alabama OC and can now boast having coached a Heisman-trophy winner. Along with the increasingly large payouts handed down by the Big Ten, that severe package indicates Nebraska will be motivated to go beyond Frost's $5 million annual salary and come closer to or even exceed the $7 million mark that has become the new benchmark for top-of-the-line head coaches in the Power Five. It took the Raiders committing $100 million to lure him away from Monday Night Football. Why It Might Not: It would be a serious gamble. Why It Might Work: I think people are more excited by the work hes done at Kansas State, which is to essentially make the program feel like moving on from Bill Snyder is possible. He got national attention in 2020 when he led Iowa State to its first division crown, including an upset of Oklahoma in the regular season (although they later lost the rematch in the Big 12 championship). Closing Comment: Its a think-outside-the-box hire like Monken if it happens. Chadwell and Herman are potential candidates for USF, and former Nebraska and UCF coach Scott Frost also might be a factor. He was a bad fit in Austin, but his messaging was sound and seems like the perfect thing Big Ten programs would want. I do like the potential if he were to bring his Florida recruiting cache and mix in his Stanford-Harbaugh style from his early coaching career. Quite the opposite, actually. He has a respectable head coaching record overall at 87-53. Alberts will be patient (and he'll need to be). He wasnt exactly a total fraud, but he was given every opportunity to succeed at Texas, a place with numerous built-in advantages and benefits, and really underachieved. See terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. Its highly unlikely anyone else was considered. Hes certainly a good coach, but is he elite? Its hard to say if hed consider Nebraska a destination. Plus, he discovered Josh Allen. You know what you're going to get: clean, solid, physical football that would conceivably play well in Lincoln. Campbell also held full-time positions at Purdue and Cincinnati. Barthel has a background in coaching running backs, most recently on Jim Mora Jr.s Connecticut staff in 2022. Unflashy and reserved, Doeren's personality would fit the ethos of Nebraska.
