:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/57738427/878681356.jpg.0.jpg)
As expected, Twitter was filled with reactions to Mike Riley’s dismissal. Also as expected, there was not a lot of drama or anger. As they might say in a Star Wars episode, “the resignation runs deep with this one...”
Bill Moos: “I expect to find a leader for our football program that will put our student-athletes in a position to compete for championships and grow as young men. I am confident our next coach will meet that standard.”
— Brian Christopherson (@Husker247BC) November 25, 2017
This tweet was posted after the Iowa loss and not after Mike Riley’s firing, but it is good to see one of the players express this sentiment. Ben Stille was one of the bright spots and it will be up to players like him to ensure that the buy-in and effort are there from the start for the next coach.
I'm truely sorry from the bottom of my heart to every senior, coach, former player and fan who have invested so much into this university. Gonna do everything in my power to help turn this around #gbr
— Ben Stille (@b_stille_) November 25, 2017
Players talking to the media are saying largely the right things. There seems to be a desire to move forward.
Mo Barry and Drew Brown speak with media after the meeting. Said Riley addressed the players and said it was a pleasure to coach them. Players obviously upset.
— Evan Bland (@EvanBlandOWH) November 25, 2017
Barry said Moos didn’t go into great explanation about the decision but talked about the pursuit “to bring Nebraska back to the top.”
— Brian Christopherson (@Husker247BC) November 25, 2017
Calabasas weighs in....
A ton of respect for @Coach_Riley! He was great to our players & program & was the most gracious person the few times I got to talk to him.
— CHS Coyote Football (@CalabasasFtball) November 25, 2017
Mike Riley got to talk to the players after the news was announced.
Mo Barry said Riley had some heartfelt words for the team. “It was emotional for all of us.”
— Brian Christopherson (@Husker247BC) November 25, 2017
Even though he has to be very disappointed, Mike Riley (as we expected) is handling his dismissal with class. He encouraged players to stay at Nebraska.
Brown said his advice for young players is, “Just to stick with it. There will be a lot of thoughts about transferring or not continuing,” but that Nebraska is the best place to be. #Huskers
— Parker Gabriel (@HuskerExtraPG) November 25, 2017
The athletic director earned an endorsement from one of the team captains.
Tanner Lee: Bill Moos is "the right man for the job" to lead Nebraska in coaching transition. #Huskers
— Chris Basnett (@HuskerExtraCB) November 25, 2017
Best way to end an uncomfortable interview. Ever. #LinemanArePeopleToo
QB Tanner Lee speaks with media about the meeting. Then horn honks from car with O-lineman Jerald Foster waiting. "I gotta get out of here," Lee said. "Jerald's hungry."
— Evan Bland (@EvanBlandOWH) November 25, 2017
Well, this does seem fitting even though Coach Riley’s tenure did not end in “the triumph of high achievement”.
To those that supported @Coach_Riley and the team with pride and class until the very end, you are the greatest fans in America.
— Todd McShane (@TheToddMcShane) November 25, 2017
Thank you.
In The Deed The Glory.#GBR ⚪️ pic.twitter.com/yLVR8EEEI3
A Husker recruit weighs in.
You were one of the first that gave me an opportunity to play at the Division 1 level..
— KING (@_TheJoshuaMoore) November 25, 2017
You believed in me, and for that, I️ thank you. The most real, Genuine, person I’ve ever gotten the opportunity to meet.
It was a pleasure Coach Riley.
THANK YOU! pic.twitter.com/hgDRpl7h06
As does a former player.
Much love to @CoachCavHuskers @Coach_Parrella @Coach_Tavita three of the greatest coaches you can have on a staff. Nothing but love for their players best of luck in the future and GBr
— Hoodie Dud (@DylanUtter66) November 25, 2017
This speaks for itself.
No comment from Mike Cavanaugh, who left with a box slung on his shoulder. #Huskers pic.twitter.com/92OSEwmMlp
— Parker Gabriel (@HuskerExtraPG) November 25, 2017
Nebraska OL coach Mike Cavanaugh left North Stadium dramatically toting a box of stuff. He peeled out of the parking lot.
— Sam McKewon (@swmckewonOWH) November 25, 2017
Even Bob Diaco, who wasn’t known for great interviews while at Nebraska, kept it simple and classy.
Bob Diaco said “enjoy your weekend” as he left. “Go Huskers. Great kids.” That was about it.
— Brian Christopherson (@Husker247BC) November 25, 2017
Lamar Jackson on assistants other than interim HC Trent Bray: "From the looks of it, if Riley's gone, everybody's gone, unless you were told otherwise."
— Sam McKewon (@swmckewonOWH) November 25, 2017
*Update 2:00 pm (more tweets added)
Wishing u all the best Coach! By meeting me, you did something no other coach has done - probably in the history of CFB. You helped begin a shift in culture that will save lives & while some ppl only care about winning, many of us don’t & we’re grateful for your courage. Thank u https://t.co/2kpd8KwEaw
— Brenda Tracy (@brendatracy24) November 25, 2017
Fans see the records and don’t like a coach. Players see a coach and don’t care about the records. Coaches are mentors, parental figures, and dream builders for so many kids in college. Coaches should be labeled for more than just numbers in a win-loss column.
— Amber Rolfzen (@twintowerBer) November 25, 2017
Thank you Coach Riley for never giving up on me and giving me the opportunity to play at the next level. You are truly a second father-figure to me. I can't wait to see what the future holds for you! #GBR pic.twitter.com/3A24PXPb65
— Keyshawn Jr. (@keyshawnnnn) November 25, 2017