The churn for the Nebraska football program has officially kicked off early for a second straight day. One day after losing defensive coordinator Tony White to the Florida State Seminoles and locking down Dana Holgorsen as the permanent offensive coordinator, the “new” OC has reportedly made his first hire.
Reports began circulating quickly on the internet on Tuesday that the Huskers have pinpointed Kentucky assistant Deikiel Shorts as their new wide receivers coach. That despite the fact that there has been no official announcement that current NU receivers coach Garret McGuire has been moved out of the position.
It appears as though the Nebraska football program has a plan to keep McGuire on staff (either as an analyst or perhaps even in a newly created position) and make the UK assistant the full time wide receivers’ coach. And should it come to pass, it would not only be the first hire by Holgorsen as the NU offensive coordinator, but one that is already drawing a ton of praise.
Nebraska football hiring talented wide receivers coach Deikiel Shorts
Shorts spent just one season with the Kentucky Wildcats after coming to the SEC program when Holgorsen and the rest of the Houston staff were fired at the end of the 2023 season. He also worked with and played under Holgorsen at West Virginia.
Familiarity between the two men is likely what drew Shorts to Lincoln, but it’s hardly the only reason Husker fans should be excited about the move. He’s helped helped develop Tank Dell and more pass catchers at Houston and was a 30under30 honoree.
Perhaps the best barometer as to whether or not a hire is a good one is how their former team’s fans feel about him. It’s clear from sites like Wildcat Blue Nation that this is not a loss they’re very happy about.
“For fans, this departure reinforces a grim narrative: Kentucky cannot seem to retain the coaches or players necessary to build a consistently competitive team.”
It would appear that the hiring of Deikiel Shorts is a bright spot in what has been a bit of an unnerving time for Nebraska football fans. Now we just have to see what happens with Terrance Knighton.