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Updated: 6:24 PM Oct 16, 2007
Callahan Takes Blame
Lincoln, Neb. Bill Callahan held a news conference addressing questions about Steve Pederson's firing, how it could affect his future and how a new athletic director could change Callahan's future at UNL.
Posted: 12:14 PM Oct 16, 2007Reporter: Dan Hedman Email Address: dan.hedman@kolnkgin.com |
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35 Comments 
Also Tuesday, Bill Callahan held a news conference addressing questions about Steve Pederson's firing, how it could affect his future and how a new athletic director could change Callahan's future at UNL.
"Well ultimately I'm responsible," Callahan said.
One day after Steve Pederson was fired, Callahan took the blame.
"As a leader you are responsible when you have not shown the results you want to show. Do I feel bad about, terrible, disappointed? Gosh yeah, absolutely," he said.
But even with the front office shakeup, Callahan answered emphatically -- he's not going anywhere but there remains an air of uncertainty.
"I don't think there's any guarantees in this business. No matter where you're coaching or where you're at, especially when you're struggling. So, nothing's been said to me relative to dismissals or anything of that nature," Callahan said.
But with a dismal but Nebraska standards 26 and 18 record over four seasons, Callahan's Huskers have become what Pederson wanted to avoid: mediocre, leading to increased speculation.
"We're all human and the guys on the staff, they're human. And the guys on the staff they're human and they have families and children and they see things and you know it's not comfortable. I don't think if you're job was in a position that people were talking about you everyday. It's not a good feeling," he said.
A feeling Callahan admitted will be a distraction as his team prepares for this weekend's game, but not one that has made him question his own abilities.
"I still believe in my heart of hearts I'm doing an excellent job, a good job. I'm working extremely hard. No, it doesn't effect my confidence whatsoever," Callahan said.
Nebraska will see if Tom Osborne agrees as he now holds the power to do whatever he sees fit with the football program he helped build a foundation for.
The next five games on the Huskers schedule could be vital to the future of Callahan. It starts this weekend with Texas A&M coming to town. Callahan said he is confident in his ability to turn this thing around.
It should also be noted that he said despite the changing of the guard in the front office, he's stressing to his players it's business as usual this week.
Latest Comments
After reading these comments, I feel very disappointed in Husker Nation. We as a whole are very much like children. We want to win (which I'm all for- don't get me wrong)and right now.. We have no patience, we are whinning, and overly critical. The other sports programs are doing wonderful- look at the volleyball program! I work 2 jobs and go to college. I think if the players are able to get through all their classes with good grades and are able to get themselves to the field for practice and games they are doing well. I believe that as a state, we should patience and wait. It's not like our program has never been bad before- look at how the football program looked before Bob and Dr. Osborne. It took time and patience to build the program. So.... let's sit back be patient, calm, and as always.... supportive of our players. Let the staff get settled and reorganized... GO HUSKERS!!!!!!
Well Callahan, are you worried yet. Tom will bring accountability to you and the program. For this team to suceed Cosgroves pathetic defense must be scrapped!!!
Lets not hear about Gill, Brown or Solich, they had there chance. Run only football is long gone I hope.
I think that Dr Tom will help us but it is a little to late if we can't get Callihan to open his eyes and motivate these players.Petersen is gone get over it. You are the man in charge of the team.Do what is right. If your starters done what to play to win, then play the bench and give them the chance for next season. You might even find that they could pull off a win. then for the next game maybe the starters will know you play like you should or you don't play at all. Stop pampering them. Keller is never going to be a Qback. He only game here because he wanted a place to go that would let him be the starter. If they didn't let him be a starter in AZ then I'd say they saw that he is not the QB that Callihan thinks he is. BENCH HIM.
Ever hear the phrase "work smarter, not harder?"...I do believe Callahan works hard...but if you don't have it you never will. Callahan has proven he cannot develop a game plan...I don't believe he has what it takes to successfully, game after game, choose the right offense, the right plays to win major college footall games. With Keller in the fold, Callahan has proven that the running game is not his deal. Callahan is like a kid at Christmas who can't wait to open his presents Christmas morning with the rest of the family, he sneaks out in the middle of the night to open them first.... Callahan cannot wait to establish the running game. He has Keller, so why run the ball? Pass, pass, pass,.... And we know how that has worked...
Obviously the University revolves around the football team. You KNOW that if it were any other sport besides football, Pederson would still be here. I'm not saying that he shouldn't have been fired, but I think others should have gone with him. I agree with some of the posts about recognizing the other very successful sports at UNL like volleyball. But let's not forget about soccer, gymnastics, track, and the like. I think the "little guys" tend to get lost in the crowd, and they deserve just as much support from the Husker Nation as the football team. Don't get me wrong, I love Husker football, but it is, and always will be the dominant power at UNL. I hope that Dr. Tom can turn the football program around, but it's not going to happen overnight. Remember, Callahan and Cosgrove are still on staff. In the meantime, Go Huskers.
It was so sad to see our fans leaving the game so early on, driving by the fans seeing their heads down was heartbreaking. Thank you Callahan for destroying our football team. Frank doesnt look so bad now does he. Come on Dr. Tom help bring back the HUSKER PRIDE>
Callahan is both pompous and arrogant. The fact that his team is getting whipped every weekend doesn't seem to phase him. This is college athletics, not the pros. When you coach at Nebraska, you either put out or get out. His west coast offense can go back to California with him. If Osborne doesn't clean house at the end of the losing season, it will be a big black mark against him that will tarnish everything he's ever accomplished. Callahan now says that the events of the past week are a big distraction. Sounds like a smooth talking alibi maker to me. What about the past seven weeks? What was his excuse then? Let's clean house and get a Nebraska led coaching staff back in house. Please Tom, do the right thing!!!!
I have been a loyal Nebraska fan for 37 years. Yes, coach Callahan needs to take the brunt of the criticism for the team playing like this, but he is not the only one that needs to be blamed. There are over 100 players that also need to take a share of the blame for how the season has gone. They are the ones playing the games and if they can't play to the level that they should be, then they need to be replaced. Unfortunately, we will never have teams as good as we had when Dr. Tom was coaching, but we could have some teams that could come close.
I'm not saying we will win or lose Saturday, but the electricy in the stadium is gonna be through the roof. This is not going to be an easy fix and it isn't going to be fast but it will come. Keep on Husker Nation. Dr Tom will see us through.
Yes,they are MALES, and they are not boys, they are young MEN who some will go to the NFL within a couple of years, does that sound like boys, I don't think so, if they can't handle it now at the ages of 19 to early 20's they will never make it.
He very well should take the blame. He better get his A game going or he will be the next outed. These are just boys not NFL players so he needs to rethink his play book and make one for just college. Get his players fired up some how or like I say his neck is next in the noose as well as Cosgroves.
It is clear that Callahan is going to not make any changes, and stick by his friend. If things do not turn around, and they win out, then all will be fired after CU. Callahan is thus picking his friendship with Cosgrove over what is best for NU. This is selfish, and just one more reason why Callahan is not right and never has been right for NU.
well the defense just lost their blackshirts at practice today
One down, two (three if you go for Perleman) to go.
