After Carl Pelini left to take the head-coaching job at FAU, it was heavily speculated that former Arizona head coach Mike Stoops could very well take over as Nebraska’s defensive coordinator.
Alas, that will not be the case.
In a release, head coach Bo Pelini announced that he has promoted John Papuchis to replace his brother as coordinator. As noted in the release, Papuchis has served multiple roles since joining Pelini’s staff four years ago, including coaching the Husker defensive line.
“I’m pleased with how the defensive staff has taken shape,” Pelini said. “John Papuchis is an outstanding coach in every area—on the field, in the meeting room, as a recruiter—and he is more than prepared to take the next step in his coaching career. He has worked alongside me for seven years, going back to our time together at LSU, and I have complete confidence in his coaching abilities.”
Additionally, Pelini confirmed that Rick Kaczenski will replace Papuchis as the Huskers’ defensive line coach. That move was expected as Iowa announced Wednesday Kaczenski was leaving the Hawkeyes to pursue other coaching opportunities.
“Rick Kaczenski is a great addition to our coaching staff, and fits our football program perfectly,” the head coach said. “I have great respect for the program at the University of Iowa and their defenses have annually been among the best in the nation. Rick’s track record of developing defensive linemen speaks for itself. When I’ve watched Iowa’s defense and in particular the defensive line, I see players that have great technique and fundamentals, who also play with a high level of intensity.”