TO: I try not to comment when coaches are here.. Mike is a experienced coach, been over 30 years. Has a philosophy, had lunch with him but have not spent time with him. Whatever I’ve seen with Mike has been from a distance. I certainly hope he does well. This will be a important season for him. In year two, the transition time is now over, it all changes very quickly.
The odd part seems the lack of communication between TO and MR. anyone have thoughts on why TO hasn't been more involved or supportive?
That was the good and bad of Bo.Osborne on looking back of the hiring and how Bo Pelini’s time ended.
At that time, we were a poor defensive team, Bo had been in Lincoln in ‘03, had done very well. Former players and co-workers were high on him. Was the best defensive mind I knew when I interviewed him. Bo was very volatile, I did not factor in some of the volatility. Do your homework and do the best you can. Very few schools have won as he did in the Big Ten, he did have a excellent athletic record and behaved well. He certainly at times abrasive with the fans and press. You can not do that & survive in a job like that.
I think most can agree with that as well.Osborne on comparing Mike Riley’s methods to TO’s:
I try not to comment when coaches are here.. Mike is a experienced coach, been over 30 years. Has a philosophy, had lunch with him but have not spent time with him. Whatever I’ve seen with Mike has been from a distance. I certainly hope he does well. This will be a important season for him. In year two, the transition time is now over, it all changes very quickly.
I didn't get the vibe that TO wasn't supportive. Him and MR had lunch together, that's more than I thought they would have done together. I'm sure that Tom, at 79, would prefer to watch the program from a distance. (edit: just like he has done according to his quote from above)
Tom did learn a bit in Congress.
Anyone besides me think that, if those were direct quotes, that TO's syntax shows he might be slipping?
I don't really disagree but someone who put his heart and soul in husker football would seem a bit more inclined to offer a bit more help. that said maybe MR doesn't really want it or To doesn't want it to look like MR isn't capable.
I just want to win again and if TO could help MR get there that would be fantastic. Thats all
The odd part seems the lack of communication between TO and MR. anyone have thoughts on why TO hasn't been more involved or supportive?
I think both the pro and anti MR crowd could read it to mean whatever they wanted it to read. TO was intentionally vague so as not to be seen as interfering. JMHOIMO, I think TO probably feels the best way to be supportive is to not interfere. But I am sure he would offer advice if he was asked.
Obviously TO is not all-in with MR. He is neutral. He knows that results will define MR's career just like they defined his own. He recognizes that MR has experience but that is as far as he would go. He said that he hopes MR does well but that's about it.
But interestingly TO succinctly said that the transition year is over and that MR can have no excuses this year. To me, that is TO saying that if MR is actually a top FBS coach, it should become evident this year.
I suspect TO is not a big fan of the pro-style offense. He fired the last guy that tried it in Lincoln.
I the I-bone was great for Lincoln. It was a big part of the 42-year run of success that TO mentioned. But like TO said, nothing lasts forever.