1991-1992: Iowa (Graduate Assistant)
1993: Cardinal Mooney High School (QB coach)
1994-1996: San Francisco 49ers (DB coach)
1997-1999: New England Patriots (LB coach)
2000-2002: Green Bay Packers (LB coach)
2003: Nebraska (Defensive Coordinator)
2004: Oklahoma (Co-defensive Coordinator)
2005-2007: LSU (Defensive Coordinator)
When Frank Solich was fired following the 2003 season, many Nebraska fans wanted the school to hire its defensive coordinator, Bo Pelini. While Pelini was able to coach the Cornhuskers to a victory over Michigan State in the Alamo Bowl, Nebraska opted to hire NFL castoff Bill Callahan. While the former Raider coach was a successful recruiter in Lincoln, his on field results left much to be desired. When Callahan was fired this past off season, Pelini was the first name brought up by both the media and Nebraska fans, and in early December he was named as the next Nebraska coach.
Pelini was born in Youngstown, OH, which has become the modern day “cradle of coaches.” After attending Cardinal Mooney High School, Pelini enrolled at Ohio State, where he was a productive football player for four seasons. While he may not look the part these days, he was able to start at free safety for two seasons for the Buckeyes.
Pelini began his coaching career as a graduate assistant under Hayden Fry at Iowa. However, he did not remain in the college game for long. Following a one year stint at Cardinal Mooney, Pelini went to the NFL. As a defensive coach for the San Francisco 49ers, New England Patriots, and Green Bay Packers, he coached for some successful squads, including a Super Bowl champion 49ers squad.
Frank Solich hired Pelini for his ill-fated 2003 season. While Solich lost his job following the regular season, Pelini’s defense was stout, allowing only 188 points in 13 games. After he was passed over for the Nebraska head coaching position, Pelini had a one year stop in Oklahoma. Following the 2004 season, he moved to LSU where he remained for three seasons. In Baton Rouge, Pelini was the mastermind behind the Tigers’ 2007 championship defense, and was tagged as a rising star in the coaching profession.
Nebraska fans hope that Pelini can replicate his success from 2003, because the 2007 results were ugly. The “Blackshirts” gave up 455 points in only 12 games, which eclipsed the old record for points allowed by over 100. What makes the runner-up season interesting is that Nebraska played 14 games, and it was the year before Pelini took over as defensive coordinator.
It remains to be seen whether Pelini can be a successful head coach. However, he has proven to be an excellent defensive coordinator, as evidenced by his performance at both Nebraska and LSU. If nothing else, he will bring a new attitude to the program. Callahan rubbed many people the wrong way, and any changes brought on by Pelini will be welcomed by Husker fans.
What fans should look for in the upcoming season is any sign of life on the defensive side. Pelini’s only year in Lincoln resulted in Nebraska’s best defensive performance this century. If he can get the defense back to that level, the resources and fan support should help buoy him to many bowl games and Big 12 titles.
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