Just like Urban Meyer was compelled to do, Bo Pelini Monday addressed Jim Tressel‘s resignation as Ohio State’s head football coach.
Unlike Meyer, however, the Nebraska head coach did not even remotely broach the speculation swirling around his name, that he could become Tressel’s successor.
“Jim Tressel is an outstanding football coach and a good man,” Pelini said in a statement Monday. “I’ve followed and respected his career since his days at Youngstown State, and through his tremendous success at Ohio State the past decade. He will be missed in college football.”
Along with Meyer, Pelini will likely be one of the names most mentioned as a replacement for Tressel. Tying Pelini to the Buckeyes job makes sense on several different levels; he’s from Youngstown, Oh., he played safety for OSU in the late eighties, and he’s had a successful three-year run with the Cornhuskers, winning the North Division of the Big 12 each season. All three of those factors, especially the latter, would certainly make him an attractive candidate to OSU officials.
The thing is, would Pelini be willing to leave a very good situation in Lincoln for what could be a mess to clean up in Columbus? We don’t think so, and neither does Steven Sipple of the Lincoln Journal Star.It’s worth noting Bo has a very good gig at Nebraska. He has first-rate facilities, support staff, and stability in the form of bosses and a fan base that back him. He has a roster of players capable of capturing the Big Ten in NU’s inaugural go-round in the league. If that happens, well, the chances would escalate that Pelini could have a difficult decision to make at season’s end.
For what it’s worth, I’m guessing Pelini remains at Nebraska for years to come. I’m just sure that eases your concerns ... right?Agreed, but, until a permanent replacement is named, ‘Husker fans and the university itself will likely be forced to deal with rumor after rumor connecting Pelini to his home state’s flagship football program. And, as a result of the speculation, Pelini may be forced to deal with additional dollars being stuffed into his bank account. Again.