When Nebraska announced Carl Pelini’s departure to take the head coaching position at Florida Atlantic University on December 1st, I was not surprised, shocked or disappointed. Having supported Carl and his defensive scheme over the past four years, I was certainly a bit sad to see him go. My sadness stemmed more from seeing Bo and Carl parting ways than it was to see Carl leaving Nebraska. Sure, Carl did great things with the Blackshirts over the past four years taking them from one of the worst D’s in Nebraska’s history to a ranked Defensive respected and feared by opponents, even in the B1G.
Great article from the Bleacher Report here: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/965137-carl-pelini-to-fau-nebraska-needs-a-new-defensive-coordinator
With Carl departing, the window was open to bring in either a powerhouse coach such as Stoops, an up-and-comer, or promote from within the current coaching staff. Bo Pelini opted for the latter, promoting John Papuchis from Defensive Line Coach / Recruiting Coordinator / Special Teams Coordinator. A natural leader at Nebraska and one of the most respected coaches on the staff, Papuchis was a perfect fit. He is also an up-and-comer in the coaching world, and this was his time to step up. His alignment with Bo’s defensive strategy and play calling is a huge plus, as it leaves Bo in “charge” of the defense, his biggest strength as a Head Coach.
It also opened up a spot to bring in young, new blood in Rick Kaczenski from Iowa to cultivate yet another up-and-coming leader in the coaching staff. Kaczenski has an impressive resume and even more impressive references. From everything that I have read, he is extremely respected by fellow coaches and players alike. I think he is going to be a strong addition to the Huskers Defensive Coaching Staff, but the pressure is stronger than it has ever been. With Carl handing out Blackshirts for the first time in years after the Michigan State game, all of Husker Nation is watching for the players to live up to the expectations that come with wearing the ‘Shirts. I’m hoping Rick is ready for the pressure that really comes with all of Nebraska watching.
Bleacher Report did a nice job reporting on Papuchis and Kaczenski here: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/995125-nebraska-football-ups-and-downs-of-making-john-papuchis-defensive-coordinator
Looking forward to see how Papuchis does at the Capital One Bowl game in January!
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