Jim Pillen’s Dana Altman flex has Nebraska fans revisiting the Fred Hoiberg hire

With the release of former Nebraska AD Bill Moos' new book, "Crab Creek Chronicles: From the Wheat Fieldsto the Ball Fields and Beyond," some very interesting tales from his time in Lincoln have surfaced. It's hard to know how much of Moos's stories are accurate and how much are made to paint him as a hero. However, on Tuesday, Governor Jim Pillen seemed to confirm one version of the story that almost had Nebraska pursue Dana Altman instead of Fred Hoiberg.

In the book, Moos claimed that when he searched for a Nebraska basketball coach to replace Tim Miles, he landed on an all-out pursuit of Altman.

The former Nebraska AD claimed he heard through an acquaintance that the former Creighton and current Oregon coach might be interested in the Nebraska job. However, Pillen (then an NU regent) and then-chancellor Ronnie Green made it clear Altman was not to be a target.

Jim Pillen’s post reinforces Bill Moos’ claim Nebraska vetoed Dana Altman

"Just then, a cold hush came over the room," Moos wrote. "Ronnie's face was directed toward me, but his eyes shifted back and forth between his tablemates before (Pillen) responded, saying one simple word, 'No.'

"No?" Moos claims he asked.

"Nebraskans won’t accept him," Pillen then reportedly responded.

On social media, the Nebraska governor seemingly took a victory lap. He confirmed the story with a post showing the score of the game between the Huskers and Oregon this season. NU won that game in a blowout, 90-55, to improve to 17-0.

While Pillen may feel he was justified in vetoing Altman, it's worth pointing out that Hoiberg still has a career losing record in Lincoln, despite a 21-2 record this year. Altman, meanwhile, is having an awful 2025-26 campaign as Oregon is at the bottom of the Big Ten (8-16, 1-12). Still, he's otherwise had a very successful run with the Ducks.

Starting in 2010-2011, Altman has posted a 378–175 record with Oregon and has made the Sweet 16 several times, as well as the Elite Eight and Final Four.

Nebraska fans have every right to be happy that Fred Hoiberg might turn out to be a very good hire in the long run. However, Governor Pillen's chest thumping over denying the hire of Dana Altman hasn't yet been proven to be the correct decision.