Mike Riley to Nebraska Is the Most Shocking Silly Season Hire in Recent Memory

There were no planes tracked and no advance intel of back-room conversations. Just as the ink dried on Jim McElwain’s contract at Florida, Nebraska turned the football world on its head with one unanticipated social media bomb.

"

#Huskers, help us welcome Coach Mike Riley to the Big Red family! #GBR

— Nebraska Huskers (@Huskers) December 4, 2014"

Mike Riley, the 61-year-old Oregon State lifer and In-N-Out Burger enthusiast, is Lincoln bound. Even if that news came provided with ample warning, it would still require some time to mull over. Given the unexpected nature of the announcement, however, it’s even more shocking that this is who the Cornhuskers quickly tabbed as Bo Pelini’s replacement.

Not since Jim Mora’s hire at UCLA has the "Silly Season" so aptly lived up to its name. Then again, the hiring and firing season in the college football world didn’t acquire its title by chance. It was crafted as a result of mind-blowing, perception-alerting moments just like this.

There is the question of fit and timing when it comes to this hire—items that will be addressed momentarily—but the release of this news is what jumps out most, at least initially.

At a time when no rumor (legitimate or manufactured) goes unexplored thanks to the influence of social media, Nebraska somehow controlled its own messaging. It then relayed this information through the outlet that has changed the process entirely—Twitter.

Although the book is still out on his ability to hire and fire coaches, we know now that athletics director Shawn Eichorst has a fabulous poker face. Not only did he keep a high-profile hire completely under wraps—beyond a brief blip on the radar with Arkansas head coach Bret Bielema—but Eichorst managed to lure away a program fixture and a beloved personality from a post many, including myself, thought he would never leave.

Riley started his first head coaching stint at Oregon State back in 1997. After only two seasons, Riley left for the NFL, where he coached the San Diego Chargers. He also latched on with the New Orleans Saints as an assistant before returning to Corvallis in 2003. For the past 12 years—an eternity in the ever-changing coaching world—Riley has led Oregon State.

Don Ryan/Associated Press

Even through ups and downs, it felt as though Riley would remain at the program for the foreseeable future. There was no reason for either side to make a change, not given the expectations and the obvious comfort on both sides. Results certainly could have been better—especially in recent years—although they also could have been much worse.

That popular notion vanished on Thursday in one unexpected blast. In making this change, Riley will leave behind a program with nominal expectations for a school trying to rekindle its national power status.

It’s why Pelini, who was serviceable at worst, was relieved of his duties to the surprise of many. The apparent friction within university walls between the coach and the administration (and the fans for that matter) played a significant role in this decision as well. The person tasked with making the change confirmed as much when he announced the change.

"I think we gave coach [Pelini] ample resources and ample support," Eichorst said, via Mitch Sherman of ESPN.com. "We didn't meet expectations, both on and off the field."

Riley is, in many ways, the opposite personality of the man Nebraska just let go. Riley is loved and respected by all, as was evident in the rave reviews handed out by media members when the hiring was announced. Whether he can deliver similar results—or better yet, something more—remains a great unknown.

"

Heard #Nebraska was determined to hire a "really good guy who ppl in the community would like" well, Mike Riley is that. Otherwise, stunning

— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) December 4, 2014"

It is unfair to compare Riley’s and Pelini’s records over the past four years side by side, not when you take into account the vast differences in philosophy and overall resources at the two schools. You have a much better chance of succeeding in Lincoln for a variety of reasons, and leaning on records alone is unfair to the parties involved.

But Riley’s recent underwhelming seasons shouldn’t go unrecognized either. Although there’s no doubting his ability to lead a program and develop talent, Riley has finished with a record below .500 in three out of the past five seasons.

His record against quality opponents—an enormous catalyst for Pelini’s undoing—also leaves plenty to be desired.

"

Per @brandonlvogel, Mike Riley is 4-21 against Top 10 teams, 14-41 against Top 25. #Huskers

— Erin Sorensen (@erinsorensen) December 4, 2014"

It has been a struggle for Riley against premier competition, but that doesn’t mean the same trend will carry over. He will have access to means he’s never had before, at least not on this level. He’ll be given more money to assemble a staff, and he’ll be able to offer up a much more powerful brand and sales pitch on the recruiting road.

There are all the pieces in place for this plan to work brilliantly and for Riley’s record output to skyrocket back to the expected threshold.

It all makes complete sense on the surface level, and yet, it doesn’t lessen the shock of this unexpected marriage. From the delivery, to the fit, to the timing—this was a move we never saw coming.

Long live the Silly Season.