Nebraska Football: Healing Starts Now

I don’t envy the task in front of Nebraska football coach Mike Riley. The ‘pipebomb’ laid by former head coach (and current Youngstown State head man) Bo Pelini lit a match to an already volatile situation.

I could go on and on regarding the quotes from the recording of Pelini the night of December 2, but I won’t. Instead I want to focus on the response from the University of Nebraska. Specifically one line:

"“We are grateful that the new leadership in our football program is aligned with our values and will establish that you can be successful at Nebraska and that you can do it with integrity and class.”"

The expectation going forward is clear with that one sentence. The expected culture of the program has been set and Mike Riley not only must win, but meet the expectations off the field.

Riley’s job is far from easy. He must unite not only a fan base, but also a team. I think everyone can agree that athletic director Shawn Eichorst’s decision was a divisive one. It’s hard to imagine 18-22 year olds feelings when the man they saw as a father figure was replaced with a guy who drives a Prius who has spent a ton of time on the west coast eating In-and-Out burgers.

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First thing’s first, Riley must earn the trust of his team. Returning players and leaders like Nathan Gerry, Michael Rose, Vincent Valentine and Maliek Collins on the defense and Tommy Armstrong Jr., Alex Lewis and Jordan Westerkamp on offense can be key in that.

Coach Riley developing relationships with returning players will play a large part in how well 2015 goes for Nebraska football. If NU can heal the wounds internally and find a way to unite and win they’ll be just fine.

A big step was taken this week when coach Riley retained the services of defensive back coach, Charlton Warren. A familiar face in the locker room is fantastic for continuity.

In an interview with Rich Kaipust of the Omaha World Herald, Riley said:

"“The other thing I noticed that was really fun on the road was the relationship that Charlton Warren had with the guys that he was recruiting. It wasn’t hard to take note of that. These people were all big fans of his and very concerned, frankly, of what was going to happen to him. So he was an easy retention to keep here and keep coaching for Nebraska.” He continued, “I trust him — his work ethic, his knowledge, the way he works with young men, his experience is vast, and I want an experienced person at that position.”"

He also brought in four assistants from Oregon State whom he obviously trusts. Their salaries show it. According to the Lincoln JournalStar’s Brian Chistopherson AD “Shawn Eichorst said recently NU will do “what is necessary to compete at the highest level” when it comes to financial compensation for assistants.

"“Resources are not the question here at Nebraska,” he said. “That does not mean we are not going to be responsible. I have seen people spend a lot of money and not do very much winning. We are going to get it right at the end of the day.””"

Also on the plate of Mike Riley is finding a way to break down the “us against the world” wall that stands between the football program and the outside world. The sooner everyone inside of north stadium, from top to bottom, realizes that they have the full support of the fan base and administration behind them, the better it will be.

This goes both ways. NU fans must “move on” and get behind their team and the team must open their arms and embrace their fan base.

Dec 5, 2014; Lincoln, NE, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Mike Riley following his press conference at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

A big step forward has been Riley and his staff’s attention to social media as of late. Tweets regarding recruiting visits and phone calls have gone over huge to an information hungry group of fans. Riley won the press conference, as almost all coaches do, but he’s also delivered the goods since then working hard on the recruiting trail.

The wounds from the past will slowly be healed, but I encourage all Nebraska football fans to not put those on coach Riley.

Remember, what happened with Bo Pelini and Shawn Eichorst isn’t his fault.

He deserves your support. GO BIG RED!

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