Columnist: Diaco Spotlight Reflects Riley Urgency

Riley, Diaco Meet Husker Media

By Randy York, The N-Sider

After attending Friday’s full-fledged press conference primarily to introduce Nebraska’s new defensive coordinator, I was eager to hear and process statewide media reaction. I asked a small group of writers and broadcasters to share their quick-hitting responses, so Husker fans can process the enormity of the hire and enhance their understanding.   

They did not disappoint, and The N-Sider begins with a unique response from Omaha World Herald columnist Tom Shatel. “Impressive that Bob Diaco had the spotlight but the story was Mike Riley,” Shatel told me, then explained why.

“In two seasons at NU Riley is 15-11 but in the off-season he's a sparkling 2-0,” Shatel said. “Once again, he's changed the narrative and pumped energy into the program with his bold move of landing Diaco and his star power. In the process, Riley is displaying a side that surprises even him, an urgency he didn't possess at Oregon State. There is work to be done but clearly Riley absolutely gets this place.”

Sean Callahan, the lead multi-media communicator for HuskerOnline and Rivals.com, sharpens the focus on that point. “There is no question this has not been an easy process for Mike Riley parting ways with Mark Banker, but ultimately this is about what's best for the long term,” Callahan told me.

“Transitioning to a 3-4 defense is why the move was made,” he emphasized. “When Bob Diaco became available, Riley knew his window to get him was a matter of hours. I was very impressed on Friday with Diaco's passion, drive and professionalism. This will be a defining week in the coaching tenure of Mike Riley at Nebraska.”

Columnist Christopherson: I’d Say the New Guy Won the Press Conference

With those editorial comments serving as springboards, here are five more N-Sider takeaways from Nebraska sportswriters and sportscasters: 

Brian Christopherson, Lincoln Journal Star: “Bob Diacco’s former players have all spoken of his high energy, and you saw it in high abundance during his meeting with the media Friday. Whether it was talking scheme or Blackshirt tradition, Diaco was full of excitement. It was impressive on his part that he understands right off the bat what that defense means to the state. Perhaps one of the best, and accurate, quotes came when he said the people of Nebraska ‘want to look at the defense and feel like they're looking in a mirror.' Credit also Mike Riley for not letting the coach he wanted for the job leave town after the interview. Riley wanted a 3-4 defense, and Diaco’s resume in running it is hard to pick apart. I still wonder how challenging the transition to it might be in this first year, but Husker fans have to like Diaco’s confidence that the personnel here can fit into it smoothly. Diaco said Nebraska’s system has a lot of flexibility that would allow coaches to piece and put guys where their physical traits fit best. It all sounded good. Now it has to work, of course. But I’d say the new guy won the press conference.”

Andy Kendeigh, KETV Sports Director: “Sometimes change is good and if his defense is as energetic, detailed and intense as he is off the field, then Nebraska football fans are in for a treat with Bob Diaco. This change to a new defensive scheme will be the story line of spring practice. Diaco, already with one win under his belt, won his introductory news conference. It will be fascinating to see his defense take shape with this group of Huskers and watch the Blackshirts return to national prominence."

Kevin Sjuts, KOLN TV Sports Director: Poised and polished. That's how Bob Diaco looked in front of Nebraska's reporters on Friday, which shouldn't be a surprise. Diaco is coming off a head coaching job, where he did his share of interviews and had to be the spokesperson for UConn's program. What struck me in Diaco's 30 minutes with the media was how intelligent all of his answers were. Ask about the 3-4 defense, get a thoughtful (yet not too detailed) response. Ask about his personality, get a reference of his family. Ask about his playing days at Iowa, get an ear-to-ear grin followed by stories recalling his recruitment to Nebraska. He referred to Shawn Eichorst as "Mr. Eichorst".  He called Mike Riley "Coach" multiple times. Diaco showed a great deal of respect for his bosses and the University as a whole. Nothing seemed to phase the 43-year old, and most introductory news conferences aren't filled with pressing questions anyway. Instead, they’re a chance to gauge character and "fit." From what I saw inside Memorial Stadium, Bob Diaco seems to be someone that Husker fans will proudly support. And he will make interviews informative and fun.

Mike Babcock, Hail Varsity: “Bob Diaco’s energy was immediately apparent. He walked without hesitation, quickly, to the podium after being introduced. So was his sense of humor, reflected in his description of himself as “obsessive” and “compulsive” in his attention to detail and because of those qualities, wanting to straighten reporters’ audio recorders on the podium in front of him. There were so many Mike Riley had to re-arrange some in order to put down his cup of Pepsi. In short, Diaco made a good first impression.”

Robin Washut, HuskerOnline.com/Rivals.com: “It only took a matter of moments into Bob Diaco’s introductory press conference to see just how intense, passionate and dialed in he is, not only when it comes to football, but in everything he does. He said all the right things about embracing Nebraska tradition and praising the history of the Blackshirts and was very forthcoming about his defensive philosophies. Time will obviously tell how the Huskers’ transition to Diaco’s 3-4 scheme plays out, but there is little arguing that NU’s new defensive coordinator won his official debut in a landslide.”

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