Nebraska Cornhuskers: Reactions to John Cook's massive contract extension
It's been quite a year for John Cook. The Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach has had a mostly fantastic last 12 months, what with taking his volleyball team to the brink of another national title.
Before that, he was leading his squad into a match at Memorial Stadium. All they accomplished there was to set a world record for most attended women's sporting event with more than 90,000 fans in attendance. Oh he was also honored as an Admiral of the Nebraska Navy.
While that particular award might sound comical, it is something given to people who stand out from the crowd in a very big way in Nebraska.
And then there was what happened Wednesday. The University of Nebraska announced it had reached an agreement on a five-year contract extension with Cook. The new deal runs through the 2028 season and will see him get paid $825,000 a year. The contract goes into effect on June 1.
The Nebraska Cornhuskers having Cook under contract for another four seasons is obviously important for the program, but it's worth pointing out this was a massive win for Cook as well. He's officially the highest paid volleyball coach in the country.
He's worth every penny, by the way.
Not long after news broke of the deal, social media erupted with reactions to the new contract and what it means for Nebraska.
Nebraska Cornhuskers fans react to John Cook's new deal
Buying a horse.
In true John Cook fashion, he'll be using his $70,000 retention bonus to buy a horse.
— Andrew Ward (@AndrewWardKLKN) May 29, 2024
Cook says, "The horse, called No. 415, was born and bred at the famous Pitzer Ranch in Ericson and is a once-in-a-lifetime performance horse."
He's just the best. #Huskers
A nice reversal
John Cook got a well-deserved contract extension, which includes a provision for buying a thoroughbred horse -- a nice change from some past Husker athletics leaders' extensions that have made an ass of the university.
— DannyMoe (@danmoser1961) May 29, 2024
Some interesting language included in the contract
Nebraska Volleyball HC John Cook just signed an extension to become the highest paid volleyball coach, and his contract makes specific reference to a “successor organization” to the NCAA, to cover bases in case that happens. 👀 https://t.co/BeJTWdJxOe
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) May 30, 2024
John Cook isn't retiring anytime soon.
I’ve spent a lot of time with John Cook the last two years. He’s never mentioned retirement plans. And it’s not like I haven’t asked.
— Amie Just (@Amie_Just) May 29, 2024
From last June: “Nick Saban’s won four nattys since he was 60 years old. I’ve won two. I tell the recruits I have two more to go to catch Nick.” https://t.co/98EQGmlQrT
It starts and ends with John Cook
It starts & ends with John Cook. The Nebraska volleyball program is the ideal narrative on how to build about anything.
— Aaron Krienert (@aaronkrienert) May 29, 2024
When the year ended in disappointment because you lost the national title game you have surpassed expectations as anything.
Two more titles?
John Cook will be the Nebraska coach through the 2028 season. Amazing news for the volleyball team!
— Rhuler of Husker Nation (@RHULEROFNEB) May 29, 2024
He wants 2 more natties before retirement 🚨 https://t.co/Bcl2K021U8
John Cook is getting paid quite a bit for volleyball coaches, but one user pointed out that he's still making less than the Nebraska Cornhuskers women's basketball coach, who hasn't had anywhere near the accomplishments.
No disrespect to Amy Williams but have a very hard time understanding that she’s getting paid more than John Cook.
— TK-421 (@TK42123292675) May 29, 2024