After losing his job at Nebraska, Bo Pelini could be landing right back on his feet (just like his cat would do). Pelini will reportedly accept a job offer to be the head coach at Youngstown State, once the offer is formally extended. Football Scoop was first to report the news of the potential hire.
Pelini is a Youngstown native, although he played his college football at Ohio State. While many probably assumed Pelini would be a good fit as a defensive coordinator somewhere at another power conference school (Auburn, perhaps?), there is something special about a chance to come home. And this job will come with far less scrutiny than his previous job at Nebraska involved.
Besides, Ohio likes a good coming home story, right?
Pelini was let go by Nebraska as the school decided it was time to look in a new direction. Pelini had led Nebraska to nine and 10-win seasons seven straight seasons, but a conference championship continued to elude the Huskers. Nebraska hired Mike Riley away from Oregon State.
If he follows through on the potential offer, Pelini will take over a Youngstown State that looks to restore some of its national prestige at the FCS level. Youngstown State is coming off a 7-5 season with a top 25 ranking. The school decided to cut ties with head coach Eric Wolford at the end fo the season, with one year left on his contract. The 2014 season ended on a three-game losing streak and a 4-4 record in Missouri Valley Football Conference.
UPDATE (12:11 AM): For what it is worth, Thayer Evans of Sports Illustrated has this to say...Just spoke w/ Bo Pelini. Denied reports of being offered or accepting Youngstown State job. “It’s all a complete fabrication of the truth.”
— Thayer Evans (@ThayerEvansSI) December 10, 2014