I liked Pelini and he certainly looks like an ace coach these days compared to the garbage we’ve had. I think he is the best coach we’ve had since TO. My concern with Bo was that his defense started to get exposed a bit. Similar to Pete Carroll, who was a defensive genius, and won championships at both levels. Bo and Pete‘s defenses started to give up quite a few points and it felt like we were not going to go to the next level.
Those 9+ wins look awfully attractive right now though. My guess is a lot of non-Nebraska fans would point to Bo’s tenure as the last time we were good. Suh and the defense were World class.
I’m not gonna die on a hill for Bo like he was the next Osborne or Saban, but he absolutely was our best coach since Osborne retired. I’m not even upset he got fired, I’m upset at the path Eichorst chose. Only 3 programs won 9+ games every year from 2008-2014. Alabama, Oregon, Nebraska. No excuse for the hire Eichorst made when Nebraska was on that pedestal.
I do feel like Bo plateaued at Nebraska. Bo couldn’t win big games. But at least he won all the others, something Callahan, Solich, Riley, Frost, and Rhule cannot say. I would love to return to a Pelini era floor for another 9 year stretch. 9+ wins every year at minimum? Heck yeah! Because if you can get 10, like Bo did a couple times, you’re in the playoffs. Especially in the B1G.