Early Years: Foundational Coaches
The roots of Nebraska football can be traced back to the late 1800s. The first head coach, Dr. George L. "Doc" McLean, led the team in 1890, but it was not until the early 1900s that Nebraska began to establish itself as a competitive force in college football.
Dr. George L. "Doc" McLean (1890-1891)
- Led Nebraska's inaugural football team.
- Focused on establishing the sport at the university level.
Ernest W. "Ernie" Nevers (1921-1922)
- Known as one of the early impactful coaches.
- Introduced innovative strategies that helped build the program’s reputation.
The Rise of Nebraska Football: 1930s to 1970s
The 1930s marked a significant turning point for Nebraska football. Coaches during this era began to lay the groundwork for the program's future success.
Bill Glassford (1941-1942, 1945-1947)
- Led the Cornhuskers to their first bowl game in 1940.
- Became known for his strong recruiting and coaching acumen.
Bob Devaney (1962-1972)
- One of the most significant figures in Nebraska football history.
- Under his leadership, Nebraska won two national championships (1963, 1970).
- Known for his emphasis on a powerful running game and solid defense.
The Dominance of the 1970s and 1980s
The 1970s and 1980s were a golden age for Nebraska football, characterized by consistent success and national championships.
Tom Osborne (1973-1997)
- A legendary figure in college football, Osborne took over in 1973.
- Led the Cornhuskers to three national championships (1994, 1995, 1997).
- Known for his innovative offensive strategies, including the option offense.
- Under Osborne, the program achieved unprecedented success and stability.
Coaching Innovations and Challenges
- During Osborne's tenure, Nebraska became known for its rigorous training regimens and player development.
- The program faced challenges, including tough competition from other powerhouse programs, but consistently remained a top contender.
The Transition Years: Late 1990s to Early 2000s
After Tom Osborne’s retirement, Nebraska football entered a transitional phase, with varying degrees of success under different head coaches.
Frank Solich (1998-2003)
- A former player and assistant coach under Osborne.
- Led the team to the BCS National Championship game in 2001.
- Unfortunately, Solich faced criticism for not maintaining Osborne's level of success and was dismissed after the 2003 season.
Bill Callahan (2004-2007)
- Brought a pro-style offense to Nebraska, which marked a departure from the traditional option offense.
- While he had some success, including a Big 12 North title, fans and alumni were divided on his approach and the team's performance.
The Modern Era: 2008 Onward
The late 2000s and 2010s were marked by significant changes in college football, including conference realignment and the rise of new power programs.
Bo Pelini (2008-2014)
- Returned Nebraska to a level of competitiveness, consistently winning at least nine games per season.
- Led the Cornhuskers to several bowl games, but was criticized for lack of success in high-stakes matchups.
Mike Riley (2015-2017)
- Hired in hopes of revitalizing the program.
- Struggled to achieve the same level of success as previous coaches and was let go after three seasons.
Scott Frost (2018-2022)
- A former Nebraska quarterback, Frost returned to lead his alma mater.
- Despite high expectations, the team struggled to find consistency and was ultimately dismissed after four seasons.
The Current State of Nebraska Football
As of 2023, Nebraska football continues to seek a resurgence, with a commitment to returning to its winning ways. The university has focused on recruiting and developing talent, aiming to restore the program’s national prominence.
Recent Coaching Hires and Future Directions
- The hiring of a new head coach in 2023 marked a fresh start for the program.
- The focus remains on instilling a winning culture, rebuilding the roster, and re-engaging the passionate fanbase.
- The university is aiming to leverage its storied history while adapting to the modern landscape of college football.
Conclusion
The history of Nebraska football head coaches reflects a legacy of excellence, innovation, and resilience. From the early pioneers to the modern-day leaders, each coach has contributed to the identity of the Cornhuskers. As the program continues to evolve, the lessons learned from past successes and challenges will be pivotal in shaping its future. The Nebraska football community remains hopeful that with the right leadership, the Cornhuskers will once again reclaim their place among college football’s elite programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the first head coach of the Nebraska football team?
The first head coach of the Nebraska football team was E. J. 'Doc' Anderson, who served from 1890 to 1891.
Which Nebraska football head coach has the most wins in program history?
Tom Osborne holds the record for the most wins in Nebraska football history, with a total of 255 victories from 1973 to 1997.
Who was Nebraska's head coach before Scott Frost?
Mike Riley was the head coach of Nebraska football before Scott Frost, serving from 2015 to 2017.
What significant achievement did Bob Devaney accomplish as Nebraska's head coach?
Bob Devaney led Nebraska to two national championships in 1970 and 1971 and is credited with establishing the program as a national power.
When did Tom Osborne retire as head coach of Nebraska football?
Tom Osborne retired as head coach of Nebraska football after the 1997 season.
What was the tenure of Frank Solich as Nebraska's head coach?
Frank Solich served as the head coach of Nebraska from 1998 to 2003.
Who is the current head coach of Nebraska football as of 2023?
As of 2023, the head coach of Nebraska football is Matt Rhule.
Which Nebraska football head coach is known for the 'Turnaround' season?
Bill Callahan is known for the 'Turnaround' season in 2005, where he took the team to the Big 12 Championship Game.
