Bo Pelini to Youngstown State: Latest Contract Details, Comments, Reaction

Days after it was denied that Bo Pelini would be the next head football coach at Youngstown State, the former Nebraska coach will take the job with the Penguins. 

Youngstown State officially announced the move and provided comments from Pelini:

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It is with great passion and enthusiasm that I become the Head Football Coach at Youngstown State University." Pelini said. "This is an exciting time for my family and me as we return to the Mahoning Valley. Mary Pat and our children are anxious to get involved in the Youngstown State and local communities. I am looking forward to getting to know a tremendous group of football student-athletes who are currently part of the program. YSU football has a rich championship tradition and a standard of excellence which our staff and players will work to uphold both on and off of the field.

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WKBN 27 in Ohio had more on the news:

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Pelini will be the seventh head football coach in Penguins’ program history.

Pelini replaces Eric Wolford, who was fired after five seasons, posting a record of 31-26 and going without a playoff appearance.

Pelini is a 1986 graduate of Cardinal Mooney High School, and a 1990 graduate of Ohio State University, having played safety for the Buckeyes.

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Thayer Evans of Sports Illustrated also reported Pelini's hiring on Twitter:

According to Joe Scalzo of the Youngstown Vindicator, Pelini was enticed by what Youngstown State had to offer on and off the field:

Pelini will join former Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel at Youngstown State, who currently serves as university president.

Matt Hayes of the Sporting News weighed in on Pelini's move:

Pelini spent seven seasons as head coach of Nebraska, winning at least nine games every year and compiling a 67-27 record before being fired on November 30. The Cornhuskers will take on USC in the Holiday Bowl with interim coach Barney Cotton leading the way. 

Youngstown State didn't contend for an FCS national title under previous head coach Eric Wolford. The Penguins' last playoff appearance was in 2006. Pelini brings instant credibility to this program, though he has a tough task ahead of him to rebuild it.