In Defense of Callahan

Now there's a controversial title, given how little defense we've seen on the field this fall from the Huskers (I refuse to call them Blackshirts).

With all of the talking heads and upset fans rushing to crucify Bill Callahan on his way out the door, I thought it might be appropriate to look at some of the positive developments during his four years in Lincoln. Maybe I can convince some fans that he is in fact NOT the Spawn of Satan.

• Callahan and his wife Valerie have created and expanded Coach Callahan Charities, Inc. Coach Callahan Charities, Inc. is a non-profit organization established by Coach Callahan and his wife, Valerie, to provide financial support to non-profit organizations to fight breast cancer and diabetes and to assist economically disadvantaged and at-risk youth and families in the area. The organization hosts events such as a charity fashion show, a 5K fun run, and Football 101 (an informational course for women who want to learn more about the sport).
• Callahan helped develop and lead the Husker Youth Experience where hundreds of youngsters get to meet their NU football heroes and spend a morning working out with them and learning the sport.
• The Nebraska Elite Quarterback Academy was developed under Callahan, who is considered an offensive guru. This summer academy has helped the coaching staff identify future prospects such as Josh Freeman, Ryan Mallett, and Blaine Gabbert early in their high school careers.
• The Husker Football Schools (summer camps) have grown and developed significantly since Callahan took over the program.

You may not believe Callahan is a great coach, and I sometimes question his ability to make the tough decisions a head coach has to make (such as firing his defensive coordinator), but you have to admit that there are some positives that he's been a big part of building into the Nebraska program.