Thats part of the problem when you get down to it and that is exactly what Urban Meyer was alluding to with his comparisons. Osborne and many of his constituents treat Husker football as if it were HIS. The players that played for him are somehow more important and on a different level than other kids that have played in the program,. They live it -believe it and see nothing wrong with it and are open with it.
That is the exact opposite of what OU does and is about, That is why they have multiple great ex HC's that can get on stage and pump unilaterally for what is best for the program as Switzer and Bob Stoops did. They make statements that the program is not about any individuals be it players or coaches. Made a huge point of that when Lincoln Riley left and brought the fanbase together.
Here it is all about Tom! and dont kid yourself that is exactly how he wants it! They dont even care if they divide the fan base over it. Throws lil hissy fits if there is a hire TO wasn't involved in and turns in his box or suite. Healthy football programs like OU doesn't have to put up with this. They did at one time-Gary Gibbs-moved on outside the box of ex players and have made their program the top priority instead of placating retired coaches trying to build a coaching tree for them,
Without even thinking twice TO came in and threw the players that were here when Frost came under the bus. Insulted them -to make a 100% invalid excuse for the failure of Scott Frost! Most had spent more years in the HUSKER program than Frost did! Did the same to the prior coach because he also wasn't one of HIS. Why? Why do we as fans let them discount or insult players like Stolt-Stille-Jo Jo Austin Allen-Stan-Bootle-Davis twins-Dismuke-Lamar Jackson etc etc etc and not take offense to it? Does anyone honestly believe those players are why Frost has 4 going on 5 losing seasons of terrible football put on the field? Natl Champs maybe not but 3-4 wins with what he had leftover was plain terrible coaching-no detail and probably too much partying and not giving a damn with his focus in the wrong directions
When the fat lady sang in year 5 and we look back in the rear view mirror most of the best guys-most loyal guys and guys that contributed the most were the guys that were left over from Mike Rileys recruiting era. To blame them for Frost failing is so wrong on so many levels and something TO should be publicly called out over,
Frost did the same thing when he came-There was an instant dividing line between HIS kids and the guys already in the program causing a huge disconnect. I personally take extra offense to it as I know what those same people did to undermine things to get Frosty here! They act as if those players, regardless if they originated from Bo or Riley recruiting, were not important to the Husker football program!
Its a major problem here and wont change until people start realizing it and do something about it. We have an 85year old dictator that wants to play ball HIS way and if you get in his way he throws a temper tantrum that is felt all the way up to the Governors office. Healthy programs arent forced into this!
.
Many programs have encountered similar as these long tenured coaches cant let go. Its not unusual. Joe Pa was the same-would do anything to hide his guys wrongdoings- Bobby Bowden had to be ran off-Bill Snyder's exit wasnt easy or comfortable and the list is long. The presidents and AD's that have tried to stand up to TO have gotten damned and fired for doing it. Perlman-Pederson even Eichorst were trying to do their jobs and a University outsider was demanding they do it HIS way. He IS an outsider. He doesnt work for the University nor the atletic program and he shouldnt have any say or input. That is why we are where we are. Placating an 85 year old ex coach and press refuses to call him out for anything!
This is Tom's program that he has been terrible at managing forever until people put their foot down and refuse to give a damn about Husker ties from the TO era in hiring new coaches.