Nebraska basketball coach Fred Hoiberg knows this season was not remotely acceptable. He knows that after a start that had Husker fans excited for a second straight trip to the NCAA tournament, things came crashing down hard.
Hoiberg also knows that his mission to build for the 2025-26 season starts immediately. He said as much during a stop on his radio show on Monday night. The coach sounded like someone full of energy and drive and passion. That’s a good sign, considering he sounded like anything but that directly after Hoiberg’s Heroes lost by 15 points to Iowa to end the regular season.
“We’re going to be back next year and hopefully do a better job,” Hoiberg said right after the final Nebraska basketball game of the regular season. Most people focused on the “hopefully do a better job.” That’s not an unreasonable tendency. It was uninspiring. It was milquetoast. He was stronger on Monday night.
Nebraska basketball coach Fred Hoiberg’s comments add fuel to fire
During his monthly appearance on Husker Radio Network on Monday, Fred Hoiberg sounded like a man who should keep his job and lead the team into another season.
“I promise you this, Husker Nation: We are going to do everything we can to get this thing back to where we are in the tournament, and we are going to be there consistently,” Hoiberg said. “This place means the world to me. I absolutely love it. I’m passionate about it. We’ve got staff right now that are out on the road recruiting, and once the portal opens up, obviously, we’re going to be active in it.”
Obviously, there’s a long way to go. Fred Hoiberg has to follow through with those comments by actually getting the job done. But If his Sunday evening comments were the kind that should make Nebraska basketball fans worry that he might have lost his focus and drive, he seemed more like the Mayor on Monday night. It’s not a guarantee of success, but he seemed ready to lead a charge and that’s a great first step.