Bob Diaco Named Nebraska DC: Latest Contract Details, Comments and Reaction

The Nebraska Cornhuskers announced the hiring of former UConn head coach Bob Diaco as their defensive coordinator Saturday.

According to Sam McKewon of the Omaha World-Herald, Nebraska head coach Mike Riley made the hire just three days after firing Mark Banker from the same position.

Riley said the following regarding the decision to hire Diaco in a press release, per McKewon:

"

When we began looking for a new defensive coordinator, Bob Diaco quickly rose to the top of the list. He has coordinated a top-level defense, has proven himself as a great teacher and recruiter, and we are excited to have him join our football program. Bob is an energetic coach and is ready to get started immediately, beginning with hitting the recruiting trail to find future Blackshirts.

"

Diaco, who played linebacker at Iowa, expressed excitement with regard to returning to the Big Ten:

"

I am honored to join Coach Riley and his staff at the University of Nebraska and am excited to become a part of one of the truly great programs in the history of college football. Coach Riley has such great respect from everyone in football, and he is building something special here. I started my college football experience in the Big Ten and am thrilled to be back in this conference. I can't wait to get to work and help build a championship football program.

"

The 43-year-old New Jersey native struggled in three years as Connecticut's head coach, as he went just 11-26 and was fired following a 3-9 campaign in 2016.

Diaco previously enjoyed success as a defensive coordinator, however, serving in that role at Cincinnati in 2009 and at Notre Dame from 2010 through 2013. He won the Broyles Award in 2012, which is given to the top assistant coach in college football.

Nebraska went 9-4 in 2016, ranking 21st in yards allowed per game and 31st in points surrendered per contest.

The Cornhuskers figure to be among Wisconsin's top competitors in the Big Ten West next season, and a division title is within reach if Diaco can develop Nebraska's defense into an elite unit.

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