Jim Pillen
Governor of Nebraska
Troy Dannen Introductory Press Conference
March 26, 2024

“Well the first thing I’ll say is I’m guilty. I love this place. I love the people of the incredible state of Nebraska. I’ve asked this a gazillion times in the last three years since this calling happened to me. What’s the one you love the most about Nebraska? Us lifetimers, we kind of get flustered, we look down, we kick the dirt, we don’t know what to say. Anybody that moves to Nebraska can’t get it out fast enough. It’s the people. The people of Nebraska are so extraordinary. Just extraordinary. That I think you will find really quickly before you even get the dishes unpacked. The people of Nebraska just have so much love in their heart, full of grace and here’s the thing you can count on and bet the farm on, every single day about Nebraskans, whenever there’s a need, whatever need there is, Nebraskans are there 100 percent of the time. I don’t know about all of you, but my heart’s pounding, I get so pumped up when we talk about our program. Any of us that have had the privilege, this program is everything. Coach Osborne taught us that no matter who’s in charge, that’s who you support because that’s our program and you support our program. You support our program, there’s tons here. You support our program no matter what. Here’s the thing I could brag about memories, I could tell you exactly where I was when I was nine years old and I got to come to a football game as most Nebraskans have that memory. The thing that’s so important about Nebraska Athletics, Nebraska football is it pulls us all together in all kinds of weather no matter what the circumstances are. I think that lastly what I have is extraordinary confidence in Troy with your leadership is every single student athlete at the University of Nebraska will fully have the gift of belief that they can win any game they get into. They have the belief that they can compete with anybody at any time, anywhere and any place. That’s simply because of leadership and the great people of Nebraska, the extraordinary fans that support this place and make this place one of the greatest programs in the history of Intercollegiate Athletics so welcome to Nebraska, really really excited for you and your family. Chris, I can’t congratulate you enough for the work you have done. Nebraska is proud. Go Big Red."