Nebraska targeting defensive coordinator with experience in 3-4 scheme; Bob Diaco a candidate

[cigaretteman]

Multiple sources told The World-Herald that NU coach Mike Riley may be in the market for a coach with more experience in a 3-4 scheme, which typically has three linemen and four linebackers, although one of those linebackers can have the flexibility to play both lineman and linebacker. The 3-4 scheme is often used by Alabama and Wisconsin, among college programs, and has grown in popularity in the NFL.

Previous defensive coordinator Mark Banker preferred the 4-3 alignment throughout his time at Nebraska and Oregon State, though both programs could use a three-man front at times, especially in third-down situations.

A top coordinator candidate, according to one source with knowledge of the situation, is former Notre Dame defensive coordinator and former Connecticut head coach Bob Diaco.

The architect of Notre Dame’s 2012 defense, which gave up just 12.8 points per game and helped the Fighting Irish make the BCS national title game, Diaco was a longtime assistant of current Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly, who hired Diaco at Central Michigan in 2005. Diaco then followed Kelly to Cincinnati and Notre Dame before taking the UConn job in 2014. After finishing 11-26 in three seasons, Diaco was fired by UConn.

Diaco is a finalist for the Arkansas defensive coordinator job, according to several reports in Arkansas.

But Diaco wasn’t the only name given to The World-Herald on Thursday. The names ranged from former college head coaches who used to be defensive coordinators to current NFL defensive coordinators. Generally — though not exclusively — some experience with a 3-4 scheme was mentioned.

Given NU’s relative lack of proven edge pass rushers on the defensive line, a 3-4 could help get some of Nebraska’s athletic, talented linebackers more playing time. Seasoned vets Marcus Newby, Dedrick Young, Luke Gifford and Chris Weber return, but coaches are also excited about sophomores Mohamed Barry and Tyrin Ferguson, plus three redshirt freshmen and true freshman Avery Roberts, who has already enrolled.


It’s not clear how much Riley has discussed with his staff, which dispersed Thursday and headed on the road to finish recruiting the 2017 class and get a better start on the 2018 class.

NU has two assistant coaching jobs open — Banker’s old spot and the spot vacated by former defensive backs coach Brian Stewart. Riley has said previously that he’d like to have two defensive backs coaches, but he also has options to promote or hire in other spots, including tight ends, where Nebraska has graduate assistant Tavita Thompson.

http://www.omaha.com/huskers/footba...cle_66934adc-d922-11e6-84e6-a32b96f84e7d.html

 

[beatdahuskers]

I ran into a Red fanatic last night that insisted Les Miles was coming to UN to be the DC.

He also believe the '95 Red team could beat either Clemson or Alabama in the NC game.

The delusion among the red is strong.

 

[OutbackBowl2017]

Who cares about a has been program.

 

[cigaretteman]

Who cares about a has been program.

I thought the fact that a former Hawkeye was in consideration would be of interest to many people on here.

 

[mstp1992]

I thought the fact that a former Hawkeye was in consideration would be of interest to many people on here.

Boy, that'd be rough seeing Diaco in Nebraska colors. Good coach, though.

 

[cecilB]

I ran into a Red fanatic last night that insisted Les Miles was coming to UN to be the DC.

He also believe the '95 Red team could beat either Clemson or Alabama in the NC game.

The delusion among the red is strong.

I agree the 95 team would beat this year's version of Clemson or Alabama. One of the best teams ever fielded at the college level, stands the test of time.

As far as a move to a 3-4, this is good news for opponents of Nebraska short term. It has personnel nuances, and having the right people on the bus to be good at it will not occur overnight. Intermediate to long term, sure it can work. How long does an old coach(Riley) have left on the tires? Expect NU's defense to take a step back next year if this is truly the case.

 

[David1979]

I agree the 95 team would beat this year's version of Clemson or Alabama. One of the best teams ever fielded at the college level, stands the test of time.

As far as a move to a 3-4, this is good news for opponents of Nebraska short term. It has personnel nuances, and having the right people on the bus to be good at it will not occur overnight. Intermediate to long term, sure it can work. How long does an old coach(Riley) have left on the tires? Expect NU's defense to take a step back next year if this is truly the case.

No they wouldn't beat them. Totally different game now. Doesn't take anything away from how great that team was though.

 

[Slappy Pappy]

I agree the 95 team would beat this year's version of Clemson or Alabama. One of the best teams ever fielded at the college level, stands the test of time.

As far as a move to a 3-4, this is good news for opponents of Nebraska short term. It has personnel nuances, and having the right people on the bus to be good at it will not occur overnight. Intermediate to long term, sure it can work. How long does an old coach(Riley) have left on the tires? Expect NU's defense to take a step back next year if this is truly the case.

Half the players would fail the drug tests.

 

[beatdahuskers]

No they wouldn't beat them. Totally different game now. Doesn't take anything away from how great that team was though.

Also, the athletes today are much better than they were 22 years ago.

 

[cecilB]

I respectfully disagree with you guys. The offensive scheme run by Spurier is still prevalent today and explosive. Nebraska (and Florida) had an abundance of NFL talent on the field(Alabama of today) - on both sides of the ball. Nebraska was very, very sound, and with a scheme when filled with big uglies and skill, was difficult, to impossible, to slow.

The only contrarian argument that has a speck of validity is the advances in training since then. That said. Nebraska's weight training (and 'enhancement' program) was very evolved. Size and speed were not drastically different, if at all in this comparison of eras.

You are entitled to your opinions.

 

[OutbackBowl2017]

I respectfully disagree with you guys. The offensive scheme run by Spurier is still prevalent today and explosive. Nebraska (and Florida) had an abundance of NFL talent on the field(Alabama of today) - on both sides of the ball. Nebraska was very, very sound, and with a scheme when filled with big uglies and skill, was difficult, to impossible, to slow.

The only contrarian argument that has a speck of validity is the advances in training since then. That said. Nebraska's weight training (and 'enhancement' program) was very evolved. Size and speed were not drastically different, if at all in this comparison of eras.

You are entitled to your opinions.

Put down your red and white glasses, Clemson and Bama would of curb stomped your Huskers from 22 years ago.

 

[David1979]

I respectfully disagree with you guys. The offensive scheme run by Spurier is still prevalent today and explosive. Nebraska (and Florida) had an abundance of NFL talent on the field(Alabama of today) - on both sides of the ball. Nebraska was very, very sound, and with a scheme when filled with big uglies and skill, was difficult, to impossible, to slow.

The only contrarian argument that has a speck of validity is the advances in training since then. That said. Nebraska's weight training (and 'enhancement' program) was very evolved. Size and speed were not drastically different, if at all in this comparison of eras.

You are entitled to your opinions.

Wrong

 

[Vroom_C14]

Also, the athletes today are much better than they were 22 years ago.

And they'd all be like 44 now... no way they could hang with Clemson or Alabama

 

[wanderer85]

I thought Diaco was heading to Arkansas?

 

[cb_Iowa]

All but announced by Nebraska.

 

[GPRHAWK]

It's official now. He is their new DC. Blair retweeted it

 

[Hock-I]

I respectfully disagree with you guys. The offensive scheme run by Spurier is still prevalent today and explosive. Nebraska (and Florida) had an abundance of NFL talent on the field(Alabama of today) - on both sides of the ball. Nebraska was very, very sound, and with a scheme when filled with big uglies and skill, was difficult, to impossible, to slow.

The only contrarian argument that has a speck of validity is the advances in training since then. That said. Nebraska's weight training (and 'enhancement' program) was very evolved. Size and speed were not drastically different, if at all in this comparison of eras.

You are entitled to your opinions.

I live in western Iowa which seems to be 50% Huskers fans in some areas. Don't like em - but have to give credit where credit is due. The 95 team never had a close game, if memory serves they beat every opponent by 20 points or more per game. That particular year, the Big 8 – which was traditionally weak – had four teams finish in the top 10 final poll and Nebraska played and stomped them all. Then they stomped all over Florida – which was considered to be the best team in the nation by many.

Line up 95 Nebraska and today's Alabama/Clemsen and who wins? Who the hell knows? Nobody ever will. What can be said by Husker fans, is that no other team in history has come close to the domination the 1995 team had in one season.

Fortunately for us in the rest of college football, that was over 20 years ago and it will not return.

 

[Hawksky]

Riley may have just hired his replacement!

 

[IowaHawkeyeFBnBB4Life]

Boy, that'd be rough seeing Diaco in Nebraska colors. Good coach, though.

I actually disagree. I think 2012 was an outlier. Diaco is OK, but he is extremely average.

 

[luvmyhawks]

Riley may have just hired his replacement!

I hope not. Diaco becoming the head coach at Nebraska would be a tough pill to swallow. Never cared for bielema as the wisky head coach and would feel the same about diaco and Nebraska.

 

[luvmyhawks]

Put down your red and white glasses, Clemson and Bama would of curb stomped your Huskers from 22 years ago.

Actually, some of you need to take off your black and gold glasses. Either that or you weren't around in 95.

Agree with Cecil 100%. That Nebraska team was badass. They were actually fun to watch, until it was a 42 beat down midway through the second quarter.

 

[kcgolfer]

3-4 is a very good defense if your linebackers can run and cover. Nebby should be able to recruit them.

 

[cidhawkeye]

Actually, some of you need to take off your black and gold glasses. Either that or you weren't around in 95.

Agree with Cecil 100%. That Nebraska team was badass. They were actually fun to watch, until it was a 42 beat down midway through the second quarter.

The recap of the ISU game, "Nebraska scored on their first TEN possessions " that is a beat down.

 

[GPRHAWK]

Actually, some of you need to take off your black and gold glasses. Either that or you weren't around in 95.

Agree with Cecil 100%. That Nebraska team was badass. They were actually fun to watch, until it was a 42 beat down midway through the second quarter.

While it is difficult to compare teams from different eras, the 95 Nebraska team was arguably the best college team of all time. Dominant defense and unstoppable offense. It was more than 20 years ago now so many posters didn't see them. The number two team in the nation couldn't get past the line of scrimmage against them and was not able to tackle them. The great Nebraska teams of the past are a fading memory now.

 

[N.Legend]

Who cares about a has been program.

My thoughts exactly when I think of the 2015 Hawks

 

[TRHawkeye145]

My thoughts exactly when I think of the 2015 Hawks

Yet your still posting on our message board?

 

[cecilB]

Put down your red and white glasses, Clemson and Bama would of curb stomped your Huskers from 22 years ago.

Red and white glasses? Bahahaha. Iowa grad with a rose bowl ring as one of my most cherished possession....and the 95 nebby team would have smoked us and anyone we played unless there were a bunch of TOs and maybe a ST score or two

 

[Hock-I]

Nebraska fans - your 95, heck your 90's era was great. Congratulations. Today it's 2017. You haven't done much since.

I will give credit where credit is due - your latest coach is kicking our ass in recruiting. He appears to be making moves quickly that our staff takes too long to make in coaching changes. If he can coach up the talent he is bringing in, I can see you being a consistent contender for the west.

 

[C_0F_R3D]

Who cares about a has been program.

Says a fan of a never was.

Nebraska may never again be what they were in the 90s, but at least you can't say they aren't trying.

• Pelini was fired after winning over 70% of his games.
• Riley is getting rid of the dead weight on his staff and hiring young coaches who are great recruiters and great coaches.
• Our facilities are as good as any team's in the country, and they are constantly being reevaluated and updated.
• We spend more on recruiting than almost any other team in the country (and it's starting to pay off).

Iowa will never be more than a mediocre team with a double digit win season every 5 or 6 years as long as Kirk Ferentz (59% career winning percentage) is the head coach. Enjoy the next decade.

 

[cidhawkeye]

Says a fan of a never was.

Nebraska may never again be what they were in the 90s, but at least you can't say they aren't trying.

• Pelini was fired after winning over 70% of his games.
• Riley is getting rid of the dead weight on his staff and hiring young coaches who are great recruiters and great coaches.
• Our facilities are as good as any team's in the country, and they are constantly being reevaluated and updated.
• We spend more on recruiting than almost any other team in the country (and it's starting to pay off).

Iowa will never be more than a mediocre team with a double digit win season every 5 or 6 years as long as Kirk Ferentz (59% career winning percentage) is the head coach. Enjoy the next decade.

Let's make sure I get this right

Fired an abusive coach who was tolerated until he lost too much. A very proud thing to have.

Fired a 20 year assistant because he gave up 40 to the 121st ranked iowa, by phone even. Keeping a valuable drunk in the mean time. Another proud moment.

Facilities? Money spent? No ROI yet. Not your best effort on this post.

 

[C_0F_R3D]

Let's make sure I get this right

Fired an abusive coach who was tolerated until he lost too much. A very proud thing to have.

Fired a 20 year assistant because he gave up 40 to the 121st ranked iowa, by phone even. Keeping a valuable drunk in the mean time. Another proud moment.

Facilities? Money spent? No ROI yet. Not your best effort on this post.

Pelini was fired because of his inability to win big games and his tendency to lose to inferior teams like IA. The fact that he was an a**hole was just icing on the cake.

Coach Dub has made his mistakes, but he is the top receivers coach and one of the best recruiters in the country. Banker wasn't getting it done on the field or in recruiting.

ROI remains to be seen with Riley's staff. This will be only his 2nd full year of recruiting and he'll be running the offensive system he wants to run next year.

Instead of picking apart my post why don't you tell me why Ferentz is worthy of his $4.5 mil a year salary?

 

[hawkinne]

Pelini was fired because of his inability to win big games and his tendency to lose to inferior teams like IA. The fact that he was an a**hole was just icing on the cake.

Coach Dub has made his mistakes, but he is the top receivers coach and one of the best recruiters in the country. Banker wasn't getting it done on the field or in recruiting.

ROI remains to be seen with Riley's staff. This will be only his 2nd full year of recruiting and he'll be running the offensive system he wants to run next year.

Instead of picking apart my post why don't you tell me why Ferentz is worthy of his $4.5 mil a year salary?

So when does Riley get fired for losing to "inferior teams like Iowa"?

 

[cidhawkeye]

Pelini was fired because of his inability to win big games and his tendency to lose to inferior teams like IA. The fact that he was an a**hole was just icing on the cake.

Coach Dub has made his mistakes, but he is the top receivers coach and one of the best recruiters in the country. Banker wasn't getting it done on the field or in recruiting.

ROI remains to be seen with Riley's staff. This will be only his 2nd full year of recruiting and he'll be running the offensive system he wants to run next year.

Instead of picking apart my post why don't you tell me why Ferentz is worthy of his $4.5 mil a year salary?

"Coach Dub is a top receivers coach and one of the best recruiters in the country" Until he hits a van killing a mom and her kids while on a drinking binge, then will you lobby for leniency, you know because he can coach and recruit and that family wasn't going to produce any wide receivers so it's no big loss. That is amazing that you support that guy because he can coach and recruit.

ROI does remain to be determined but now you sound even worse 'running the offensive system he wants to run next year' what has stopped him from running the system?

I don't believe I claimed that Ferentz was worthy of his $4.5 mil a year salary. Plus picking your post apart is so much easier. Nice 'Nebraska winning is the only thing that matters' mind set. No thanks.

 

[Bill_Callahan2.0]

"Coach Dub is a top receivers coach and one of the best recruiters in the country" Until he hits a van killing a mom and her kids while on a drinking binge, then will you lobby for leniency, you know because he can coach and recruit and that family wasn't going to produce any wide receivers so it's no big loss. That is amazing that you support that guy because he can coach and recruit.

ROI does remain to be determined but now you sound even worse 'running the offensive system he wants to run next year' what has stopped him from running the system?

I don't believe I claimed that Ferentz was worthy of his $4.5 mil a year salary. Plus picking your post apart is so much easier. Nice 'Nebraska winning is the only thing that matters' mind set. No thanks.

Jesus, just chill out man.

 

[cidhawkeye]

Jesus, just chill out man.

Your fans are advocating for a guy who is dangerous to society because he can coach and recruit. Have some accountability other then wins and maybe we can chat and I can 'chill out'