Here we go again. Another “big name” coaching job has come open, and Husker head coach Bo Pelini’s name has been rumored to be on the schools short list. Tuesday Arkansas Athletic Director, Jeff Long addressed the media, and Razorback fans. He let all parties know that Bobby Petrino had been let go as the head coach of the football program at the university. Thus, the the rumor mill revved it’s engine.
Petrino went 21-5 as his time as the head hog, but that wasn’t enough to save his job. Petrino was involved in a motor cylce accident over the weekend, which opened up Pandora’s Box.
Petrino had been having an afair with a 25 year old athletic department assistant, who just happened to be the fiance of an athletic department member. Petrino is married with four children. He also got his mistress, Jessica Dorell, hired on with with the football program over several other qualified candidates.
With Petrino being dismissed by Arkansas 3 days before their spring game, that leaves a giant hole. According to Long, all coaches have been asked to stay on the staff for the spring game. It has yet to be seen if they will attempt to get a new coaching staff before the fall, or if they will take the Ohio State route, and hire an interim head coach, and wait to hire a big name the following season.
If the Razorbacks choose to go look for a new coach this season, or next one name that has come up has been Bo Pelini. Pelini has recorded 9 wins in each season at Nebraska. He came in to Lincoln, and helped fix a situation that the previous staff had completely ruined. On top of all of that Pelini’s buy out is relatively cheap.
With all that being said, if Arkansas calls, will Pelini go? In my opinion, no. Pelini has received a handful of raises in his time in Lincoln, and is completely backed by his athletic director. Not every coach in the country can say that. Pelini has as much job security as any coach in the country.
Yes, there is a lot of money in the SEC, but if Pelini can “win the big one” in Lincoln, Tom Osborne will have no problem making Pelini’s wallet a lot heavier. Bo Pelini has been in Lincoln for five years, and received three raises with out winning his conference, or making a BCS game.
Would Bo Pelini take another job some time soon? Maybe. I don’t see him leaving Nebraska for Arkansas anytime soon.
By Jimmie Allen
Contact the writer at JAhuskercorner@gmail.com
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