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44 45 Nebraska Coaching Staff

Kevin Cosgrove Jay Norvell John Blake Bill Busch Scott Downing Assistant Coach Assistant Coach Assistant Coach Position: Position: Position: Defensive Line Position: Safeties/ Position: Tight Ends/Specialists/ Game Day Assignment: Field Game Day Assignment: Press Box Game Day Assignment: Field Special Teams Coordinator Recruiting Coordinator Game Day Assignment: Field Game Day Assignment: Press Box

Phil Elmassian Ted Gilmore Randy Jordan Dennis Wagner Dave Kennedy Assistant Coach Assistant Coach Assistant Coach Assistant Coach Head Strength Coach Position: Position: Wide Receivers Position: Running Backs Position: Offensive Line Game Day Assignment: Press Box Game Day Assignment: Field Game Day Assignment: Field Game Day Assignment: Field

Offensive Coordinator Jay Norvell Defensive Coordinator Kevin Cosgrove

Head Coach Bill Callahan 44 45

Defensive Line Coach John Blake

Safeties Coach Bill Busch

Running Backs Coach Randy Jordan

Tight Ends Coach Scott Downing

Cornerbacks Coach Phil Elmassian

Offensive Line Coach Receivers Coach Dennis Wagner Ted Gilmore

The Nebraska football coaching staff owns a combined 210 years of experience at the professional, college and high school level. Five Husker coaches have been in the profession for more than 20 years. For more information on the Husker coaching staff, visit Huskers.com or CoachCallahan.com. 46 47 Bill Callahan | Second Season | Illinois Benedictine, 1978 4As Head Coach of the Oakland Raiders, led team to 2002 AFC Championship and XXXVII 427 years of coaching experience, including nine in NFL, 16 in college and two in high school 4One of five coaches to reach Super Bowl and return to college ranks Less than a year after guiding his NFL team to the Super Bowl – the pinnacle coach, Callahan established Coach Callahan Charities. Under the organization's of professional football – Bill Callahan took control of one of the nation’s elite direction, Callahan has generated funding for several charities. programs. Since taking over the Nebraska program he has worked Callahan and his football staff have presented Football 101 for Women each of diligently with the mission of pushing the Cornhuskers back to the top of the the past two years. The clinic gives female Husker fans an opportunity to learn college game. more about the game of football and the Nebraska program. In its first year in The 48-year-old Callahan is in his second year on the Nebraska sideline and 2004, Football 101 drew more than 1,000 participants and raised $35,000 for breast his 28th season overall in coaching. He was named Nebraska's 27th head coach on cancer research. The event was an even bigger success in year two, attracting more Jan. 9, 2004, just the fourth head coach in the storied Cornhusker program since than 1,150 participants and producing $50,000 for breast cancer research. the start of the 1962 season. Coach Callahan's inaugural 5K Fun Run/Walk for Resources last August had Entering his second season guiding the Huskers, Callahan's lofty goals have more than 800 participants and raised $5,000 each for Juvenile Diabetes and not changed. He maintains a vision of adding to Nebraska's championship legacy the University Libraries. All told, Coach Callahan Charities has donated nearly on both the Big 12 and national levels. $100,000 to charity in a little more than a year. Callahan's second Husker team enters the fall riding a surge of momentum Callahan has also given his time as a guest speaker and spokesperson for in the program, evident by an outstanding spring practice, a rigorous off-season several local organizations. He is the Honorary Chair of the Make-A-Wish program and a wave of recruiting success. The momentum has carried to Husker Foundation's "Share our Magic Campaign", he was the keynote speaker at the Nation, as huge crowds have flocked to Memorial for each of Nebraska's Omaha American Heart Association Breakfast and was the keynote speaker at two spring games under Callahan. In April, 63,416 red-clad fans traveled to the Nebraska Special Olympics Breakfast of Champions. Memorial Stadium to watch the Huskers complete spring drills, 12 months after The Husker football program under Callahan has placed a strong emphasis of 61,417 fans witnessed Callahan's spring debut. developing the football talents of youth in the state of Nebraska. In the spring, the Callahan and his staff put together a class of prospects last winter ranked Nebraska coaching staff and players conducted the Husker Youth Experience, a among the nation's best by every national recruiting service. The strong recruiting free developmental clinic for 500 children from the state. In the summer, the Big class was the most recent indication that Callahan's plan for the Cornhusker Red Football School included the first-ever Husker Youth Camp, for children ages program reaching national prominence is on track. In his first year in Lincoln, eight to 13. The camp was an instant hit, attracting more than 250 campers from Callahan has put strong systems for success in place both on and off the field. 22 different states. Nebraska finished the 2004 season with a 5-6 record, but strides were made While giving generously to the community and helping youth develop their in many areas. The Callahan installed accomplished the football skills, Callahan has also embraced the rich traditions of the Cornhusker objective of a balanced attack capable of moving the ball both through the air program, including an on-going commitment to Nebraska's unparalleled walk- and on the ground. Nebraska generated 52 percent of its offense through the air on program. Since his hiring, Callahan has rewarded seven players who came to and 48 percent via the run, the most balanced offensive attack seen in Lincoln in Nebraska as walk-ons with scholarships, including five native Nebraskans. nearly three decades. The plan for a total football program that Callahan has implemented at Under Callahan, the Huskers are maintaining and improving their tradition Nebraska is the product of three decades of coaching experience and expertise. of success in the classroom. The football team entered the summer session Having coached on every level during his career, Callahan is one of five coaches to with a collective cumulative grade-point average nearing the 3.0 mark, the best take a collegiate head coaching job after previously guiding a team to the Super academic standing ever for the football team entering the summer. Among Callahan's first group of seniors, 18 of 20 student-athletes had earned their degree at the conclusion of the 2005 spring semester and 21 of 24 members of the 2005 senior class are on track to graduate by next May. The football program has continued to make a strong impression in the Nebraska community under Callahan. Husker players spend hours of time in local communities speaking with youth and visiting Nebraska fans of all ages. Twice in the past year the entire Husker team has taken a half-day to visit with patients at hospitals in both Lincoln and Omaha. Callahan's strong belief in community outreach and character education led to his team receiving Nebraska's annual Life Skills Team Award. The football team accumulated the most points in the history of the award, showing the importance Callahan places on total-person development and preparing his student- athletes for life after football. The commitment to being an active member of the community comes directly from Callahan's leadership. Shortly after being named Nebraska's head The Callahan family (from left to right): Jaclyn, Bill, Valerie, Brian, Daniel and Cathryn. 46 47

Callahan teaches. For the first time in franchise history, the Raiders led the NFL in passing in 2002 (279.7 ypg), and also led the league in total offense (398.8 ypg) for just the second time. Callahan was recognized for his role in the success, as he was named the NFL Coach of the Year by the Touchdown Club of Columbus and the NFL Rookie Coach of the Year by . Callahan's Raiders operated out of the West Coast Offense and exploited opposing defenses with a multiple attack. In fact, in a three-season span, the Oakland offense went from leading the NFL in rushing (2000) to placing first in the league in passing (2002). In 2002, the Raiders became the first team to win games in the same season while rushing at least 60 times (60 attempts on Dec. 28 vs. Kansas City, 24-0) and passing at least 60 times (65 attempts on Sept. 15 at Pittsburgh, 30-17). The Raiders capped the 2002 season with an impressive run through the AFC playoffs. Oakland opened the postseason with a 30-10 victory over the and captured the AFC crown with a 41-24 win over the , before losing to Tampa Bay in Super Bowl XXXVII. Callahan joined the Raider organization in 1998, when took over as head coach. Callahan served as Oakland’s offensive coordinator for each of Gruden’s four seasons as head coach, also tutoring the Raider tight ends in 1998 and the offensive line from 1999 to 2001. Under Callahan, the Silver and Black offensive line allowed a team-record low 28 sacks in 2000, a mark that was surpassed in 2001 with just 27 sacks allowed. In addition, the Raiders led the NFL in rushing in 2000, averaging 154.4 yards per game. The Raiders won the AFC West title in each of Callahan’s final two seasons as offensive coordinator and made it three straight division crowns in 2002. Callahan’s offensive players at Oakland made regular appearances. From 1999 to 2001, Raider offensive standouts made eight Pro Bowl appearances, while five Raiders, including four offensive standouts, were named to the Pro Bowl in Callahan’s first season as head coach. Oakland made four straight trips to Hawaii from 1999 to 2002. He was twice named the MVP of the Pro Bowl (2000, 2001) and also earned 2002 NFL regular-season MVP honors. Before his six-year stint with the Raiders, Callahan was an assistant coach with the for Head Coach . With Philadelphia, Callahan Coach Callahan has a history of success, including guiding the Oakland Raiders to the worked alongside Gruden, who was the Eagles’ offensive coordinator. In his first two AFC Championship and Super Bowl XXXVII just two years ago. years with Philadelphia, the Eagles ranked second in the NFC in rushing and made the playoffs both seasons. During that time, former Husker Irving Fryar made two Bowl. He brought a wealth of experience to Nebraska from the National Football Pro Bowl appearances. League and collegiate ranks. A natural leader, Callahan has also worked with young men at the beginning of their formative years, serving as a high school Coach Callahan’s Coaching Philosophy coach and teacher for two years. As a collegiate head football coach, I believe I have an obligation and a commitment A Chicago native, Callahan's arrival at Nebraska not only served as a return to make sure each student-athlete accomplishes three things at Nebraska. One, that home to the Midwest, but also to his first love – college football. Callahan has 27 a student-athlete participating in football receives a great education and appropriate years of coaching experience, with 16 years at the college level, nine in the NFL degree. Two, each player maximizes his abilities to become the best football player he and two years in high school coaching. Highly respected throughout the coaching ranks, Callahan used his ties to can be and contributes to team success. And three, that each person learns, matures and quickly assemble a championship coaching staff in Lincoln. becomes an outstanding young man of character. Including Callahan, four Nebraska coaches have experience in the Super Bowl, As a staff, we believe that in order for us to be successful, we must have men of including three as coaches and one as a player. The staff includes coaches who character who are committed to our team philosophies and goals, and solid student- have won championships in seven major conferences. The diverse background athletes who are able to learn and compete at high levels and contribute to team ideals. and strong ties to different areas of the country allowed Nebraska to attract a We will look for the student-athlete that fits our profiles for character, academics and top-25 national recruiting class in 2004 despite Callahan being hired less than skill in order to achieve our goals. a month before National Signing Day. In their first full year together the staff There are four components that must be in place in order to have success on and off showed its recruiting prowess, pulling together a group of 31 players that was the field. I believe these elements are crucial to building relationships and to building ranked No. 1 nationally by recruiting expert Tom Lemming in 2005. our program. Trust...I trust our players to do the right thing. Because of that, everyone will be Callahan Finds First-Year Success with Raiders treated with respect and dignity. Callahan came to Nebraska after two seasons as the head coach of the Oakland Love...we are a family and we care passionately about our players like they are our Raiders in 2002 and 2003. Callahan led the Raiders to the AFC West title and own children. Super Bowl XXXVII in 2002 to become just the fourth rookie head coach to lead Commitment...our players and coaches must have a great desire, respect and his team to the Super Bowl. He led Oakland to an 11-5 regular-season record in passion for the game of football. Commitment to the game must be evident in everything his first year and went 4-12 in 2003, when the Raiders were hit hard by injuries. that is asked of them, including, but not limited to academics, off-season workouts, With their Super Bowl appearance in 2002, the Raiders set an NFL record practices and games. We will all be committed to the same goal – to be successful in by appearing in Super Bowls in four different decades. In the process, Callahan everything we do. became the third first-year Raiders head coach to lead the team to an AFC West title and into the conference championship game, joining (1990) and Belief...It is my belief that the University of Nebraska can compete at the highest (1969). level. I know we have assembled a great staff to achieve this goal. We will recruit the Callahan’s rookie season as head coach confirmed his leadership qualities and nation’s best players and we will prepare them diligently for every performance. We will coaching ability and highlighted the diversity of the West Coast offensive system all believe in each other and will believe in our plan to win. 48 49

Callahan Boasts Impressive Collegiate Background Although he spent almost a decade in the , Callahan Nebraska Head Coach Bill Callahan was no stranger to the college game upon his hiring at Nebraska. He spent 15 Year-by-Year Coaching Summary years in the college ranks from 1980 to 1994, including 12 seasons in the Big Ten Years Team Coaching Responsibility Conference at two strong academic institutions. He was regarded as one of the High School game’s best offensive line mentors and developed a reputation as one of college 1978 Oak Lawn (Oak Lawn, Ill.) Assistant Coach football’s top recruiters, making Nebraska's 2005 class no surprise. Callahan was 1979 De La Salle (Chicago, Ill.) Assistant Coach not only ranked as one of the top 10 recruiters in the country by Tom Lemming in College 1992, he was listed as one of the top 10 recruiters of all-time by Lemming in 2001, 1980-81 Illinois Associate Coach based on Lemming’s recruiting ratings over the past 20 years. 1982-83 Illinois Special Teams, Tight Ends "I've dealt with hundreds of coaches over the past 22 years," Lemming said, 1984-85 Illinois Offensive Line "and whenever I've ranked coaches who combine coaching and recruiting skills, 1986 Illinois Quarterbacks Coach Callahan always ended up in the top 10." 1987-88 Northern Arizona Offensive Line Callahan began his collegiate career as a graduate assistant at Illinois under 1989 Southern Illinois Offensive Coordinator 1990-94 Wisconsin Offensive Line Head Coach Mike White, who later coached the Raiders. Callahan was promoted to a full-time position in 1981, coaching the tight ends, and stayed at Illinois National Football League through the 1986 season, coaching the offensive line, quarterbacks and special 1995-97 Philadelphia Eagles Offensive Line teams. While Callahan was on staff at Illinois, the Illini participated in three bowl 1998 Oakland Raiders Offensive Coordinator, Tight Ends 1999-2001 Oakland Raiders Offensive Coordinator, Offensive Line games, including a trip to the following the 1983 season, when they 2002-03 Oakland Raiders Head Coach won the Big Ten title with a perfect 9-0 conference record. Illinois finished fourth or better in the Big Ten in five of Callahan’s six years as a full-time assistant. College After seven years at Illinois, Callahan coached the offensive line at Northern 2004 Nebraska Head Coach Arizona (1987, 1988) and served as offensive coordinator at Southern Illinois in 1989. He moved to a second Big Ten school, joining former Husker Barry Alvarez Head Coaching Record (1965 to 1967) at Wisconsin in 1990 to coach the offensive line. Seven Badger Year Record .Pct Postseason Oakland Raiders offensive linemen earned All-Big Ten honors under Callahan, including center 2002 13-6 .684 2-1; Won AFC Championship, lost to Cory Raymer, who was a consensus All-American in 1994. Tampa Bay in Super Bowl XXXVII The 1993 Wisconsin team captured the school’s first conference title in 31 years, 2003 4-12 .250 None defeated UCLA in the Rose Bowl and finished sixth in the final Associated Press NFL Totals 17-18 .486 One playoff appearance poll. In Callahan’s final year in Madison, the Badgers finished 8-3-1 and defeated Nebraska Duke in the Hall of Fame Bowl, marking the first time in more than a decade that 2004 5-6 .455 None UW played in bowls in consecutive years. The Wisconsin staff Callahan served on also included Nebraska’s offensive and defensive coordinators, Jay Norvell and Coaching Honors Kevin Cosgrove. 4NFL Rookie Coach of the Year (Football Digest, 2002) 4NFL Coach of the Year (Touchdown Club of Columbus, 2002) Commitment, Belief, Trust and Love Callahan brings a disciplined approach to the Husker program. In addition to Callahan Profile Briefly: Callahan is in his second season as Nebraska's head coach and is the 27th head reaching out to Husker fans, Callahan has developed a bond with his team. coach in Cornhusker history. Callahan has 27 years of coaching experience, including nine Commitment, Belief, Trust and Love – those are the core values Callahan and years in the National Football League. He was the head coach of the Oakland Raiders in his staff embrace. The team has enjoyed several outings with the staff and has 2002-03 and guided the Raiders to the Super Bowl in his first season. He previously already developed a bond with the new coaches. served as the Raiders' offensive coordinator under Jon Gruden for four seasons and was Whether they are bowling, playing softball, attending a basketball game, on Ray Rhodes' Philadelphia Eagles staff from 1995 to 1997. Callahan was a full-time enjoying a team barbecue or just studying or working out together, it’s easy for the collegiate assistant for 14 seasons, including stints at Wisconsin (1990-94), Southern Illinois (1989), Northern Arizona (1987-88) and Illinois (1981-86). Callahan was named Husker squad to see that Coach Callahan is right at home in the college ranks. head coach by Nebraska Athletic Director Steve Pederson on Jan. 9, 2004. “What I appreciate more than anything,” Callahan said, “is the opportunity to make a real difference in a young man’s life. I feel I am in a great position to help Playing Career: High school—Played football at Mendel Catholic High School in Chicago. College—Started at quarterback for three seasons (1975-77) at Illinois Benedictine (Lisle, student-athletes be successful, in school and in their college football careers. In Ill.), earning honorable-mention All-America honors in 1976 and 1977. addition, I know that when they leave here, they will be well-prepared for post- collegiate football lives, including those who hope to advance in the professional Education: Illinois Benedictine, 1978 (Bachelor of Arts, Physical Education) football ranks, and those who are wanting to make their mark on the world in a Born: July 31, 1956, in Chicago, Ill. totally different avenue.” Family: Wife, Valerie; Children, Brian (21), Daniel (19), Cathryn (14) and Jaclyn (12). Chicago Native Has Roots in Midwest From the Super Bowl to Campus Callahan grew up on the south side of Chicago playing quarterback as Five coaches have taken a collegiate head coaching job after previously guiding their a prepster at Mendel Catholic High School. He was a three-year starter at team to a Super Bowl appearance. In addition to Callahan, Bobby Ross accepted the quarterback at NAIA Illinois Benedictine (now Benedictine University in Lisle, Army head coaching job in 2004, after guiding to the Super Bowl in 1994. Ill.) from 1975 to 1977, earning honorable-mention All-America honors his last Coach NFL Team Super Bowls College Bill Callahan Oakland Super Bowl XXXVII Nebraska two seasons. He earned his bachelor of arts degree from Illinois Benedictine Bobby Ross San Diego Super Bowl XXIX Army College in 1978, majoring in physical education. Callahan began his coaching Bill Walsh San Francisco Super Bowls, XVI, XIX, XXII Stanford career in the prep ranks. While serving as a substitute teacher, he coached at Oak Cincinnati Super Bowl XVI SMU Lawn High School in 1978 and then moved to De La Salle in 1979 where he was an instructor and assistant football coach. Callahan and his wife Valerie have four children, Brian (21), Daniel (19), Cathryn (14) and Jaclyn (12). Brian is a junior at UCLA, where he serves as a backup quarterback, and Daniel is a sophomore at Nebraska. 49 48 49 What They're Saying About Coach Callahan

“I consider Nebraska one of the great responsibilities in “The key to turning any program around is that you must coaching. They need a guy who can come in there and handle have absolute, fanatical belief in the people who put the program the job. I think Bill is that guy.” together. Steve (Pederson) is doing a wonderful job. And I am 4Jon Gruden, absolutely a Callahan fan. Bob Devaney was able to evoke that Head Coach belief. And I believe Coach Callahan can evoke that same belief. That’s why I know this program is going to be a great program for years and years.” “He’s a perfect fit and I think Nebraskans ought to be 4Bob Brown, flabbergasted to get him. He’s energetic, enthusiastic and 2004 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee, University of Nebraska 1961-63 has a real passion for the game. The players will soon find out he’s an unbelievable leader and a perfect fit for Nebraska.” “Bill is a man of great character and strong values. He has 4Rich Gannon, been associated with some of the most successful franchises Oakland Raiders QB, 2002 NFL MVP, upon Callahan's hiring in NFL history and is a great addition to one of the most storied programs in all of college football.” “Bill was an original member of the staff that started here 4Bruce Allen, at Wisconsin in 1990. He was instrumental in helping to turn Tampa Bay Buccaneers General Manager our program around as our offensive line coach in the early 1990s. Bill is tenacious, hard working and meticulous. He is “As a football coach, Bill brings years of experience a tremendous coach and recruiter.” at all levels of coaching. He is a tremendous worker and 4Barry Alvarez, will surround himself with the type of hard workers and University of Wisconsin Head Coach competent football professionals who will work to keep the Cornhuskers on top of the football world. Bill Callahan is an “I wanted to come to Nebraska because of Bill Callahan all-around football coach – an excellent teacher, motivator and his goals and values. He's perfect for this job. It's and moreover, a leader of men, both coaches and players. Bill absolutely the perfect marriage. He's intelligent, decisive and will also stress character and academic excellence in his football players and his disciplined. He's got great integrity.” sense of standards and discipline will be very evident to the outside community. 4 Jay Norvell, I have spent several years working side-by-side with Bill and I have tremendous University of Nebraska Offensive Coordinator confidence in his ability to succeed.” 4Mike White, “Bill fits college football, and he fits our program. The Director of Football Operations, players are really going to like him. I have so much respect University of Illinois Head Coach, 1980-87 for him. People talk a lot in this business, but I’ve never heard a negative thing come out about him.” 4Charlie McBride, University of Nebraska Assistant Coach, 1977-99

“Bill and his staff have demonstrated through their recruitment success that our football program is on its way to national competitiveness. At the same time, they have demonstrated through the academic successes of our athletes that they are upholding the Nebraska tradition of academic excellence as well.” 4Harvey Perlman, University of Nebraska Chancellor

“The progress that has been made in our program in the past year has been exceptional. If you have a son who wants to play Championship football, earn a degree from a great university, and play for one of the most exceptional coaches in college football, then the choice to come to Nebraska and play for Coach Callahan should be easy. Those who join Coach Callahan and his staff will get to experience the next Nebraska Championship.” 4Steve Pederson University of Nebraska Athletic Director

“Coach Callahan is very goal-oriented and knows how to achieve those goals. He is very disciplined and is a hard worker and expects the same out of his team. That should be attainable knowing how hard-working Nebraska players are. He’ll do a great job with eager young men who play with passion and love for one another.” 4Adam Treu, Oakland Raiders Center, University of Nebraska 1992-96 50 51 Q & A with Coach Bill Callahan

Head Coach Bill Callahan shares his thoughts on a variety of topics regarding Q –Are there specific areas of focus you have stressed during the off-season? the Husker program, the upcoming season, and coaching philosophies of the “We have talked to our players about three key ingredients to being a successful Nebraska staff. football team. You have to have the right attitude, a commitment to preparation and you have to execute under pressure. The number one thing in any successful Q – What can Husker fans look forward to in 2005? organization is preparation. You have to win the battle of preparation off the field “This team has worked extremely hard during this past off-season, through during the off-season and during the week before you get on the field. You can winter conditioning, spring practice and summer conditioning. We are motivated evaluate based on talent, but what you actually do is determined by attitude. We by the challenges and opportunities ahead in the 2005 schedule. Having been here are working hard on the attitude of our team.” at Nebraska for more than a year, I feel strongly that the foundation is established for our team. Across the board, we have the continuity and stability it takes to be Q – Is there a specific area that must be corrected from last season? a more competitive team.” “We need to reduce our turnovers on offense and create more turnovers on defense. That was our primary area of deficiency last season. We talked a lot this Q – Do you expect significant improvement in your second season at spring about “TNTs”….third downs and turnovers. We made that a focus during Nebraska? the spring and showed great improvement in both of those areas.” “It has been proven again and again in college football that your fortunes can change quickly. There is every reason for us to think we can turn this around. I am Q – You placed an increased focus on special teams during spring practice. optimistic we can do the same thing at Nebraska. Year one is always a transition. What is your view on the importance of that facet of the game? Now we are at a point where our players have heard and practiced the same “The number one area we need to improve on is special teams. We changed our principles and concepts five or six times and there is repetition to what we are practice format this spring and moved our special teams work to the middle of doing. Our team is prepared to function better because of that familiarity. I see this practice. We also changed the duties and responsibilities of our staff in regard to team getting better and improving because of those factors. Our football team has special teams and we saw improvement this spring. Statistically, you can equate a also become a more confident team and that showed during spring practice.” championship football team with outstanding special teams.” Q – How did your coaches and players handle the adversity of a tough 2004 Q – Regarding spring practice, what are your thoughts on Husker fans turning season? out in record numbers for the Spring Game for the second straight year? “I have a strong appreciation for how our players and coaches have responded “Our fans have really embraced us the last two years during spring football, since the end of last season. You always learn and grow as a result of adversity. with nearly 125,000 fans coming out for the spring game the past two years. You show me a successful businessman, businesswoman, organization or team, That support is very much appreciated by our staff and our players. It has a and I will show you someone who has overcome and responded to adversity. As huge impact not only on our current team, but also prospective recruits. The a coaching staff, we forged ahead immediately into recruiting and functioned fan support we have received for our last two spring games and throughout the extremely well as a staff during the recruiting process. That momentum carried consecutive sellout streak is unmatched in college football. It speaks highly of the into spring practice and will hopefully carry over into the fall. Our players fan commitment, loyalty and passion for football.” responded in the same manner, and I thought they developed a bond during the spring. It will be important to develop a deeper bond as we move into the season.” Q – What adjustments might we see on offense this fall? “Each year our offense evolves and adapts based on the talent and composition of our personnel. The West Coast Offense is flexible and adjustable and geared toward the talents and strengths of our players. The West Coast Offense is unique in today’s college football because it gives a player great exposure into the details of the professional game. This type of exposure can really give a player an edge in his development and assist him in his dream to play in the NFL.” Q – How important is efficient quarterback play in your offense? “Everything we do on offense is centered on the quarterback. Our objective is to give the quarterback confidence in his own decision-making ability and to give him the confidence he needs to function at a high level. Efficient quarterback play is tied to making fast, quick decisions and the discipline of progression reads. Another attribute of an efficient quarterback is a player that plays through and overcomes adversity. The quarterback needs to have the leadership ability to inspire teammates to reach a higher level.” Q - What can we expect from the Husker defense in 2005? “I feel we have a comprehensive system that gives us flexibility in all situations. We have simplified our scheme to build more physicality on defense. Our core philosophy on defense will not change much this season. We have worked diligently to refine and improve our techniques and fundamentals on defense. The biggest area of improvement for our defense will be to play more physical on a consistent basis.” Q – After a year back in the college game, what are your thoughts on how coaching in college differs from the National Football League? “The two cultures are unique and different. Fundamentally, the game does not change. What is different about the college game is the opportunity to impact a young man’s career at a deeper level. Our mission is to teach the young men in our program life lessons on leadership, discipline and being successful within a team concept. Personally speaking, coaching in college is more challenging and exciting because of the players’ desire to learn and improve.” 50 51

Q - How does your practice style help prepare the team for game situations? understand that not every player can start, but we are committed to making each “Each practice is designed to give our players an exposure to situational player become the best they can possibly be. I have admiration for walk-ons. My football. As a staff, we zero in on specific scenarios that will arise on game day. own son is a walk-on on the Division I level. We treat our players in a first-class We practice these situations and call this “special category” football. Our players manner and walk-ons are no exception.” receive a real appreciation and understanding for the situation that we are practicing. This way in practice our players can isolate their focus and energies Q -You have a son who plays college football. What role do you feel the head coach on one area of the game that is crucial to our success.” plays in the personal development of a young man during his college years? “As coaches, we definitely have an impact on a player’s career and his life. Q - Nebraska has a reputation of being a hard-working, physically dominating College years are a very formative time in a young man’s life. I look forward team. How does this fit with your coaching style? to helping each one of our players maximize their academic and athletic talent “My staff and I totally embrace the traditions of Nebraska football. This team as well as character. Our goal is to have the players leave the program as better will reflect the nature of Nebraskans. We will strive to be as hard-working and people and more prepared to live life.” humble as the many successful teams that have preceded us. This is a style that I have believed in throughout my coaching career and continue here at Nebraska.” Q - Nebraska has a strong history of academic excellence, leading the Big 12 in graduation rates nearly every year and leading the nation in academic Q - You have said it is your intent to build a national championship team. All-Americans. The team has had great success in the classroom in your first What are the most important components of a national-caliber team? What year here. To what do you attribute this success? will it take to achieve that goal? “Our number one goal as a coaching staff is to have a 100 percent graduation “Our goal as a team is always to win the national championship. Our goal rate for each of our senior classes. One of the reasons I came here was because of as a program for the 2005 season is to win the Big 12 and return our program Nebraska’s strong support systems for the student-athlete. One of Nebraska’s most to national prominence. We strongly believe in our profile for a national impressive support units is its academic support system. The program that Dennis championship team that includes character, athletic skill and academics. We can Leblanc and his staff have put together has historically made this University one of only achieve these goals with hard work and diligence.” the most successful in terms of graduation rates and academic honors. Right now our cumulative team GPA is the highest it has ever been at Nebraska, and it has risen Q - You and your staff have a reputation as strong recruiters. What makes a the past two semesters. We have a strong obligation to this university to make sure great recruiter? that academics come first and that each of our student-athletes graduate. We have “Number one, we have a staff that has excellent communication skills. high expectations of our players both in the classroom and on the field and expect Secondly, they care and have a genuine concern for the players they bring to that success in both areas of student-athlete life.” the University of Nebraska. Additionally, each individual coach must have the eagerness and the energy to seek out and recruit great players. We have always Q – Both you and your players have made a concerted effort to making a followed the philosophy that players don’t really care how much you know until difference in the community. Coach Callahan Charities has contributed you show them how much you care, and this staff cares deeply about its players.” nearly $100,000 to various causes in the past year and your team earned Nebraska’s Life Skills TeamAward. Why is community involvement stressed Q - What do you look for in a recruit? in your program? “We have a specific profile that a player must meet. This profile is based on a “We are totally committed in giving our players a unique and special experience championship formula. We evaluate each recruit on character, academics and here both on and off the field. We educate them on the importance of being well- athletic skills. We are looking for players who are committed to excellence in all rounded, and reaching out and giving back to their community. Our players have aspects of their lives, who want to be a part of a team concept and genuinely embraced the opportunity to spend time in the community and have represented care about the team. Additionally, we want players who want to compete, and at Nebraska in a positive way. That type of commitment and dedication reveals the Nebraska, we attract players that love competition at the highest level.” character of our football team and hopefully will leave a lasting impression on them.” Q - You and your staff have extensive coaching experience at both levels. What does that mean for the program? “There is no substitute for experience especially on the collegiate level. We have a good blend of experience from the professional and college ranks that allows us to function very efficiently and effectively. The players have a real edge from this perspective and it should allow us to progress more quickly. Our team has a very diverse background with players from 28 states, and we have a diverse coaching staff that fits well with the makeup of our roster.”

Q - How important is it to build a recruiting class by utilizing the top players in the state of Nebraska? “Without question it is a priority to keep the great in-state players here at Nebraska. We have a tradition of All-Americans and of our 92 first-team All-Americans, 40 of them are native Nebraskans, including two of our three Heisman Trophy winners. That alones tells you about the talent in this state.”

Q - How important is maintaining the walk-on tradition at Nebraska? “It is a vital part of reaching our championship aspirations. Since I took over this program, we have awarded seven scholarships to walk-on players and will continue do so. We understand the tradition and great legacy with the walk-on program here and plan to continue to build on that. We want to make sure that when a player comes to the University of Nebraska, he is going to have every opportunity to succeed to maximize his talents and abilities. I want them to