We won the big 12 N. and played in the big 12 championship after his third year.I Have been an NU fan since I knew what football was and could understand the game- since about '70. The stability enjoyed was amazing although the late 70's and late 80's people wanted TO gone.
The change seemed to happen when Pearlman was hired and wanted to deemphasize football and increase academic standing for the university.
Rumor has it the previous AD did not like the vision and restrictions being presented to him and left. A few years prior several boosters and powerful people reportedly had been suggesting assistant coaching changes but FS refused. Also, many people in power were unhappy with his underwhelming recruiting and FS did nothing about it. Like others have stated there has been rumors of poor behavior but I will not repeat any as they have not been substantiated.
I believe Pearlman did not like FS and hired Pedy for the sole purpose of firing him. FS would have been fired a year earlier 7-7 season- but a few boosters and TO were able stave this off.
I did not like Pedy from the start as he appeared narcissistic- everything was about him and the athletic program was an extension of him rather than the university...a Messianic figure in his mind. He reportedly had an NFL coach all lined up to take the job but backed out shortly after letting FS go.
Callahan was a horrible hire on every level and was not supportive of it but was willing to give him a chance. After the 3rd year it was evident this would not work. Pellini was exciting in the beginning but his temper tantrums, irritability, treatment of others on the field and off was troubling and at times embarrassing. Hiring MR was a head scratcher. His personality was a lot like TO but other than that....nothing. As far as treatment of players and X's and O's he was good. Gameplanning, S&C, motivation, preparation, practice structure, etc...poor. His hands were tied by a micro managing AD in some areas.
I was and still am a believer in Solich but he did not make the changes necessary to save his job is recruiting and assistant changes- too late. My best friend and I have argued this for years, about whether he should have been fired.
I believe SF is the right coach and the assistant changes- will bear fruit sooner than later.