Nebraska Football: Mickey Joseph not in the head coach picture

It might surprise some Nebraska football fans, including myself, that Mickey Joseph is apparently not really in the running for the permanent head coaching job. There was a period this season, when he seemed like the odds-on favorite for the job, as a matter of fact.

It seems likely that a majority of Nebraska football fans have come around to the idea that he might not be a candidate anymore, because of the Huskers struggles in its most recent games. However, it seems likely that most Husker fans believed he fell out of the competition. However, according to recent comments from the man himself, it appears he was never really in consideration.

In a recent interview with the Omaha World-Herald‘s Tom Shatel, Joseph clarified that he’s never had a conversation for the head coaching job. In other words he’s never interviewed for the job.

There is a chance, of course, that he’s playing coy. But it sure doesn’t seem like he’s got a shot at being the head coach for Nebraska football, and he’s not that upset about it. The other part of the interview that should raise some eyebrows was when he talked about going back to being an assistant and how badly he wants to stay with the Cornhuskers.

"“I would sit down and talk with the family, talk to Trev and talk to the head coach and find out what my role would be. But I would love to stay.”"

That would certainly be good news for people who have liked what Mickey has done for Nebraska football recruiting. He’s been working hard to get the best possible talent into town as possible. That includes Malachi Coleman, the best player in the state for the 2023 class.

Nebraska football fans could get best of both worlds

Mickey being open to sticking around as an assistant should bring a sigh of relief. There’s always a worry when someone has a position for as long as he has, that he thinks he should get the permanent job. He seems to understand that he was never really a candidate. Maybe that was a discussion he had with Trev from day one.

Now the question is whether his willingness to stick around is a selling point for the next head coach. With rumors of people like Matt Rhule being in town and near getting locked up, is keeping Mickey a requirement? Simply a strong suggestion?

The good news is Nebraska football fans should find out soon.