If you’re not winning, you’re losing. And if you’re losing in embarrassing ways and upsetting fans, you may also be losing your job.
Rumors abound that University of Nebraska head football coach is facing the heat of losing his job. And after some embarrassing losses, the upcoming game against Iowa on Friday could very well be the deciding factor on his future with the Huskers.
During his weekly news conference Pelini said, ”I don’t concern myself with that. I’m not coaching to save my job or anything else. At the end of the day, I want to be here, and I want to be here if they want me to be here. If they don’t, I’ll go on my way. Until that day happens, I’ll do everything in my power to make this the best football team I can.”
He later added, ”I like the direction of this program. I like where we are. I think the future is bright.”
Last December Pelini signed a contract that will run through 2017.
Bo Pelini's contract was extended last Dec and runs through 2017. That's 745 rumors from now.
— Brad Dickson (@brad_dickson) November 26, 2013
This Facebook post may have fueled the rumor mill fire. Many people have been tweeting out a photo of the post.
Bo Pelini is gone after the Iowa Game. #huskers pic.twitter.com/DF0iWAd4mU
— Eddie (@EddieHusker) November 21, 2013
Pelini even had to address the rumors with his players after their loss to Michigan State on November 16. Husker linebacker Michael Rose said, ”He said he’s not going to quit on us, not going to leave us.”
The players are standing behind their coach. Co-captain Spencer Long said, ”He’s done so much for this program, not only for wins and losses or the team but as an individual and a man and developing boys to men. A lot of that goes unseen. I just wish people knew all the stuff he really does for our team and our players and how he has our backs. He means a lot to this program.”
The lack of a conference win in the past 14 years and a recording of Pelini giving a profanity ridden rant about Husker fans isn’t helping to win anyone over.
Even some of their wins, including a Hail Mary defeat against Northwestern, hasn’t made Husker fans happy.
No matter what happens, Pelini plans on coaching these Huskers to a national title. ”I expect to win them all. Our goal will remain, as long as I’m head football coach, to win the national title. I’m not looking for reasons why. I think we’ve overcome a lot, and I’m proud of this group. It’s not for lack of effort, lack of toughness. Am I happy with being 8-3? I’d be lying if I said I was,” said Pelini.
The new Huskers athletic director, Shawn Eichorst, continues to stay quiet on the Pelini front until after the season is over.