nobody expects him to win?
the two things most cited as to why he shouldn't be hired are his lack of experience and his W/L record this season. people absolutely expect him to win.
I also think he's handled himself as well or better than any recent coach has done of handling the fishbowl (good term for the NU job). high school coaches in Omaha who haven't been visited or contacted in earnest in a decade are giddy about Mickey's constant presence. the kids clearly respond to him. he's genuine, he's honest and he's humble.
and then there's the ceiling. I believe Mickey will fill our roster with more talent than any other coach in question, and despite the last 1.5 games, I do believe he's got a good head for football, which means he could absolutely attract the kind of top tier coordinators we need. I will add that I've never heard or seen a bad word about him from anyone he's ever coached or coached alongside, and he knows everybody who matters in the industry. doesn't hurt that his brother has a similar rep in the NFL.
it really comes down to a gut feeling for me. I truly believe there is no place, and thus no HC job, like NU - good, bad and otherwise. Mickey gave his blood, sweat and tears to Nebraska. literally gave his body and playing career to Nebraska. he's said that he always had a feeling he would come back and finish on the sideline what he was unable to under center. he very clearly understands the culture Nebraskans pride themselves in rooting for every weekend. Mickey is someone who's put others - especially young men - ahead of himself for his entire adult life.
that stuff matters. a lot.