The Nebraska football team was the straw that broke the camel’s back for Purdue. After the Huskers beat them 28-10 on Saturday afternoon, Boilermakers head coach Ryan Walters had seen enough. On Sunday he fired offensive coordinator Graham Harell. On Monday he announced Harrell’s replacement.
Obviously, this isn’t a huge deal on its face for Husker fans. However, Purdue and the Huskers do have several like-opponents. It wouldn’t be terrible if Walters’ squad managed to actually look competent on offense with a new coordinator and soften up some of those opponents. I’m looking at you Wisconsin, Ohio State and Indiana.
The Nebraska football team is rarely going to take notes from a team like the Boilermakers. However, Purdue could also shift the Big Ten standings a bit if they find a way to beat an FBS team this season.
Of course, changing offensive coordinator just about midway through the season is rarely the approach of a team that’s going to win many games. But stranger things have happened. In fact they’ve already happened this season.
Nebraska football rival hires new offensive coordinator
Granted, there are few things stranger than replacing an offensive coordinator by handing the reins to someone who is in their second year of college football coaching.
Offensive analyst Jason Simmons, who joined the staff back in March after spending last season at Miami (OH) where he coached the running backs under Chuck Martin, has been named the new play caller tasked with turning around Purdue's offense, according to Football Scoop.
Before making the jump to college, Simmons was an very good high school head coach, most recently at Indianapolis powerhouse Ben Davis HS (IN). From 2018-22, Simmons helped six players earn Division I scholarships and his teams advanced to the state semifinals three straight seasons.
Simmons will step into the play caller role this weekend when the Boilermakers head to Wisconsin. That will certainly be one game Nebraska football fans will want to keep an eye on, even if it’s not to plan or prepare for the Boilermakers as Wisconsin has struggled so far this year as well.