Rhule fires DL coach Bradden

oldjar07

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I can definitely appreciate where you’re coming from here, but none the less mistakes can and will happen, no matter how much you get paid. What matters most is he’s not hanging onto them… no one is going to hit on every coaching hire… I mean heck Kiffen was a flop at one point too, was fired and then came back stronger. It happens, as a fan base be happy we have a coach willing to admit they were flops and then can em… Remember we’ve had coaches in the past that refused to do that.

I mean I think the fans are kind of being delusional and short sided here… are we winning at the point that all of us want to? Nope not by any means, but has Matt made improvements? Absolutely he has, we had went without a bowl appearance or a winning record for how many years? It wasn’t pretty… we have to stop pretending that he hasn’t made some progress, and understand that he is working with an upwards trending arrow… I want us winning and in the CFP as much as anyone else does, but I also know we have been down for a very long time and Matt is slowly pushing in the right direction… he had a complete overhaul from talent to culture to re create, and he’s doing that…

I wish our turn around was as quick as Indiana’s, but unfortunately that wasn’t in our cards. But don’t forget our past, and recent past, lest we slip right back to that magical mediocrity good ol Stevie P was trying to avoid 🤦🏻
Look where Indiana is in year 2 vs Matt Rhule in year 3. Typically you either have it or you don't. And Rhule has proven so far he's nothing other than a .500 head coach. And if he's coaching with an upward trending arrow, then why the hell is his November record so poor here?
 
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oldjar07

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I do think Rhule has failed in some areas, especially game management. I also think he has stabilized the program more than anytime since at least Pelini. I always worry with a bunch of coordinator or assistant changes though, as that can cause a ripple and mess with that foundation.
Saban had to replace almost his entire staff about 5 years in a row, and they were still in the CFP conversation every single year. I think people are too afraid of change. If something is not working, you need to change something. Uncle Donnie wasn't working, Butler probably wasn't going to work long term, and our DL regressed throughout the season. Why keep any of those guys who aren't working out? It's the definition of insanity. The only thing I would change is I would have gotten rid of the RB coach too.
 

dinglefritz

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This is my biggest struggle with Rhule. The hiring has been atrocious. The turnover we have had in the staff is crazy. Not saying we didn’t need new guys but would have been better to have the right guys to begin with. Any lack of success in these firings is directly tied to Rhule’s hiring decisions IMO.
Who were the right guys to begin with? None of us can begin to guess that. He tried to hire Robinson before. He thought Donovan could do the job. He’s cut bait. He tried a young DL coach from the NFL. Who was he supposed to get? We can criticize his hires all we want but assistants aren’t knocking down the door to coach at Nebraska. Fact. Why did Frank hire an NFL linebacker coach to be his DC who had never been a coordinator? Answer: because he couldn’t find a proven guy who wanted to move to a team that just finished 7-7.
 

dinglefritz

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It could also be that Nebraska wasn't an overly desirable job, so you take what you get until you turn it around. Holgersen turned him down before accepting, Peetz turned him down to stay in the NFL and those are the ones we know about. You can want to date the hot super model, but she also has to want to date you. If you are a coach coming off being fired and you may not have your pick of the litter.
Exactly.
 

Zeke Husker

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Who were the right guys to begin with? None of us can begin to guess that. He tried to hire Robinson before. He thought Donovan could do the job. He’s cut bait. He tried a young DL coach from the NFL. Who was he supposed to get? We can criticize his hires all we want but assistants aren’t knocking down the door to coach at Nebraska. Fact. Why did Frank hire an NFL linebacker coach to be his DC who had never been a coordinator? Answer: because he couldn’t find a proven guy who wanted to move to a team that just finished 7-7.
It’s not surprising the reactions from some! Many including myself spoke that some changes need to be made (I maintain that RB coach Barthel needs to go). Coach makes changes…..some start hollering why are they doing all of this firing and then it’s oh the new coach is sure to be a failure he sucks!

you either keep trying to get better and make changes or you don’t. But to expect some of the fans to stop complaining is a ridiculous expectation
 

singlet

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Tony White and Pot Roast were essentially leaving for greener pastures, and we were much worse as a result.

I don't think you and I are disagreeing.
Yeah I think that I was responding in a narrower way than your intended purpose. There is coaching churn everywhere and I can't deny that. Maybe it will work out for Nebraska this time?
 
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steinek11

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This is my biggest struggle with Rhule. The hiring has been atrocious. The turnover we have had in the staff is crazy. Not saying we didn’t need new guys but would have been better to have the right guys to begin with. Any lack of success in these firings is directly tied to Rhule’s hiring decisions IMO.
Yeah, his hiring has pretty well sucked. I don’t know what metrics he’s using.
 

TheRealPeliniTheCrutch

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I’m taking all of this as Rhule having 2 years to spend like crazy, hiring whoever he wants, and such.

if Nebraska still ain’t in the playoff mix, then he’s gonzo.
 
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dinglefritz

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It’s not surprising the reactions from some! Many including myself spoke that some changes need to be made (I maintain that RB coach Barthel needs to go). Coach makes changes…..some start hollering why are they doing all of this firing and then it’s oh the new coach is sure to be a failure he sucks!

you either keep trying to get better and make changes or you don’t. But to expect some of the fans to stop complaining is a ridiculous expectation
IF Barthel was truly a problem he would be gone. It should be pretty clear by now. The Raiola’s got extra run likely because of the family’s legacy status and I believe Dom has financially supported NU in the past. I’ll be somewhat surprised if Satt stays on as TE coach but he is actually ok at that. Everybody has been evaluated. You all should be happy. Heads have rolled.
 
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Zeke Husker

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IF Barthel was truly a problem he would be gone. It should be pretty clear by now. The Raiola’s got extra run likely because of the family’s legacy status and I believe Dom has financially supported NU in the past. I’ll be somewhat surprised if Satt stays on as TE coach but he is actually ok at that. Everybody has been evaluated. You all should be happy. Heads have rolled.
I for one am happy that heads have rolled- have to keep tinkering and adjusting to make improvements. You won’t hear me complain nor will I condemn any incoming coaches.
 

oldjar07

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IF Barthel was truly a problem he would be gone. It should be pretty clear by now. The Raiola’s got extra run likely because of the family’s legacy status and I believe Dom has financially supported NU in the past. I’ll be somewhat surprised if Satt stays on as TE coach but he is actually ok at that. Everybody has been evaluated. You all should be happy. Heads have rolled.
Donovan was a problem for 4 years before he finally got axed. You keep wanting to give Matt Rhule and co. a pass, but at least a portion of our fanbase has a long memory and isn't so trusting that the head coach has everything under control for no other reason than his position.
 
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OxfordComma

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IF Barthel was truly a problem he would be gone. It should be pretty clear by now. The Raiola’s got extra run likely because of the family’s legacy status and I believe Dom has financially supported NU in the past. I’ll be somewhat surprised if Satt stays on as TE coach but he is actually ok at that. Everybody has been evaluated. You all should be happy. Heads have rolled.
I can understand not wanting to jump on the “let’s fire the next guy” bandwagon. But that doesn’t mean you have to simp for the guy.

The ONLY thing going for him is that EJ was great this season.

On the flip side, he didn’t recruit EJ or realize that EJ had any potential until Dana rubbed his nose in that fact. He also hasn’t added a single worthwhile RB to the room in 3 years despite RB being one of those positions that players can contribute early. And now that EJ is gone, that room is EMPTY. We know it’s empty because EJ had 90% of the RB touches this season. The best returning candidate to do something at RB next year is Mozee, who was recruited as a WR and converted to RB during fall training camp. Why? Because Barthel hasn’t brought in a SINGLE serviceable RB in 3 years on the job. Not one.
 

Steely Dannebrog

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Some of you are just too much, you complain when Rhule doesn't act and then when he does you complain, it's a complete comedy show. 🤪
We complain when the program overpays for a loser who ***** the bed on his initial hires, ***** the bed for 3 seasons, then are fed **** from the same bedpan when he has to course correct on his own mistakes.

Nothing funny about it.
 

Husker.Wed._rivals

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I can understand not wanting to jump on the “let’s fire the next guy” bandwagon. But that doesn’t mean you have to simp for the guy.

The ONLY thing going for him is that EJ was great this season.

On the flip side, he didn’t recruit EJ or realize that EJ had any potential until Dana rubbed his nose in that fact. He also hasn’t added a single worthwhile RB to the room in 3 years despite RB being one of those positions that players can contribute early. And now that EJ is gone, that room is EMPTY. We know it’s empty because EJ had 90% of the RB touches this season. The best returning candidate to do something at RB next year is Mozee, who was recruited as a WR and converted to RB during fall training camp. Why? Because Barthel hasn’t brought in a SINGLE serviceable RB in 3 years on the job. Not one.
It is mystifying why this guy keeps getting a pass.
 
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Zeke Husker

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I can understand not wanting to jump on the “let’s fire the next guy” bandwagon. But that doesn’t mean you have to simp for the guy.

The ONLY thing going for him is that EJ was great this season.

On the flip side, he didn’t recruit EJ or realize that EJ had any potential until Dana rubbed his nose in that fact. He also hasn’t added a single worthwhile RB to the room in 3 years despite RB being one of those positions that players can contribute early. And now that EJ is gone, that room is EMPTY. We know it’s empty because EJ had 90% of the RB touches this season. The best returning candidate to do something at RB next year is Mozee, who was recruited as a WR and converted to RB during fall training camp. Why? Because Barthel hasn’t brought in a SINGLE serviceable RB in 3 years on the job. Not one.
This is exactly what I think as well. I’ve said several times that outside of Emmitt’s individual talent making plays this year that the RB position group has been very underwhelming under Barthel’s watch.
 

Zeke Husker

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Mike Eckler:Exhibit A
Not a lot in terms of excellence in production of yards but the WRs under their new position coach now block very well, helping out the running game. Under the youngster McGuire they did neither. So yes, the churn at position coaches has in fact lead to some improvements.
 
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Baxter48

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Not a lot in terms of excellence in production of yards but the WRs under their new position coach now block very well, helping out the running game. Under the youngster McGuire they did neither. So yes, the churn at position coaches has in fact lead to some improvements.
The receivers are lacking a Trey Palmer that can take the top off
 
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Nuts McClanahan

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I have a sneaking suspicion that Troy Dannen is heavily involved, like he was with Holgorsen.
So what you are suggesting is that NU football is a **** show led by incompetent leadership. Dannen is not a football coach and his judgement is questionable. If Dannen is involved in any way, that would mean that a big donor or two are pressuring him. And Dannon is folding under that pressure and not supporting his football coach.
 

Nuts McClanahan

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I thought Rhule hired a good staff on defense and terrible staff on offense when he was first hired here. Satterfield and McGuire were very questionable for sure, as well as retaining Raiola even though we all understood why on that one. I think we all had a feeling that offensive staff wasn't going to last long.
Garrett McGuire seems to be doing just fine now though. Maybe he's a good coach after all?
 

Nuts McClanahan

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I mean this isn’t a big surprise with a new DC coming in. It didn’t help Bradden that he was pretty lousy this year with the D-line.

Rhule knows he’s on the clock and needs to start getting Wins. If assistants and coordinators aren’t good enough, then it’s time to get ones that will produce. Otherwise it will be Rhule that gets the axe.
This is where I am coming in on this. New DC means that all bets are off with regard to the job stability of all of the other defensive assistants. And Bradden's D-line struggled mightily with pad level and getting off blocks.
 

Man Woman & Child

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I’m taking all of this as Rhule having 2 years to spend like crazy, hiring whoever he wants, and such.

if Nebraska still ain’t in the playoff mix, then he’s gonzo.

What, you think all of his misses on MULTIPLE hirings so far have been because he didn't have the money to spend? Or that he couldn't hire whoever he wanted?
 

Nuts McClanahan

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Saban had to replace almost his entire staff about 5 years in a row, and they were still in the CFP conversation every single year.
And Saban had no trouble replacing anyone because who didn't want to coach at Alabama at that time? Looks good on the resume to go 13-0 or 12-1 and have a couple of your guys drafted in the first round. There's no comparison between that and NU.
 

Rcnut223

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Check out Garrett McGuire's Bio on the Red Raider website. certianly doesn't appear he is a guy who can't coach.
 

Man Woman & Child

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So what you are suggesting is that NU football is a **** show led by incompetent leadership. Dannen is not a football coach and his judgement is questionable. If Dannen is involved in any way, that would mean that a big donor or two are pressuring him. And Dannon is folding under that pressure and not supporting his football coach.

Every word of this may very well be spot on. Our record and Rhule having to constantly reboot his staff because he got it wrong would indicate it is.
 

inWV

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Anyone hating on Barthel has to also be hating on Rhule as he praised both Barthel and the backups who got scrounge carries this season in his presser.
 

dinglefritz

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So what you are suggesting is that NU football is a **** show led by incompetent leadership. Dannen is not a football coach and his judgement is questionable. If Dannen is involved in any way, that would mean that a big donor or two are pressuring him. And Dannon is folding under that pressure and not supporting his football coach.
Nah.
 

NorthWillRiseAgain

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Saban had to replace almost his entire staff about 5 years in a row, and they were still in the CFP conversation every single year. I think people are too afraid of change. If something is not working, you need to change something. Uncle Donnie wasn't working, Butler probably wasn't going to work long term, and our DL regressed throughout the season. Why keep any of those guys who aren't working out? It's the definition of insanity. The only thing I would change is I would have gotten rid of the RB coach too.
I'm not for keeping something that's not working. The firings this year make sense. It's more the chance of a culture shift that causes a team to end up lost. Saban has a system, and I think everyone is in step with him and he has the history to prove that. I'm just not sure in the portal era with many new players every year that your foundation/culture is that unbreakable anymore.
 

dinglefritz

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No, that is not what I think.

I think Dannen is likely forcing his hand now.
Probably and no doubt Dannen is receiving input from other guys who know a lot more about football than us. Our former players have never been shy about offering opinions. In this case, that might be a good thing.
 

dinglefritz

Heisman
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51,809
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I'm not for keeping something that's not working. The firings this year make sense. It's more the chance of a culture shift that causes a team to end up lost. Saban has a system, and I think everyone is in step with him and he has the history to prove that. I'm just not sure in the portal era with many new players every year that your foundation/culture is that unbreakable anymore.
People want accountability for guys making 6 figures and up to coach football. If your guys don’t produce, factors out of your control will be considered in your evaluation but it better be determined you are doing everything proficiently that you can. Or else.
 
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dinglefritz

Heisman
Jan 14, 2011
51,809
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Donovan was a problem for 4 years before he finally got axed. You keep wanting to give Matt Rhule and co. a pass, but at least a portion of our fanbase has a long memory and isn't so trusting that the head coach has everything under control for no other reason than his position.
I still say there were factors outside of Donnie’s control that affected the product on the field. Not once did I say I would criticize Rhule for firing him. I posted many times that most of us including myself aren’t qualified to judge an O line coach. I still believe that. Now IF Stai or guys like him come out and trash him that’s a different story. I never heard that from anybody i thought really knew what they were talking about.

That said, the Raiola Husker legacy no doubt was a factor in his retention but coaching the O line isn’t rocket science. I really don’t think a different O line coach would have improved the play much. It’s kind of ironic though that the same incestuous warm and fuzzy feelings for former players and coaches might have contributed to mediocre on field performance. Now we get to see.
 

dinglefritz

Heisman
Jan 14, 2011
51,809
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I can understand not wanting to jump on the “let’s fire the next guy” bandwagon. But that doesn’t mean you have to simp for the guy.

The ONLY thing going for him is that EJ was great this season.

On the flip side, he didn’t recruit EJ or realize that EJ had any potential until Dana rubbed his nose in that fact. He also hasn’t added a single worthwhile RB to the room in 3 years despite RB being one of those positions that players can contribute early. And now that EJ is gone, that room is EMPTY. We know it’s empty because EJ had 90% of the RB touches this season. The best returning candidate to do something at RB next year is Mozee, who was recruited as a WR and converted to RB during fall training camp. Why? Because Barthel hasn’t brought in a SINGLE serviceable RB in 3 years on the job. Not one.
There’s so many things wrong with your logic but I’ve discussed this multiple times in other threads. It isn’t “symping” to point out illogical conjecture about what was going on with our RB room. EJ looks great this year. He had some issues as a young back just the same as Mozee and Nelson were swimming in it this year. EJ’s pass pro was bad and he danced around instead of getting north and south. He’s gotten immensely better. Maybe some of that was coaching😉