The history of Nebraska football could have looked radically different. In his newly released memoir, «Crab Creek Chronicles,» former Athletic Director Bill Moos dropped a bombshell that is rocking Lincoln: Scott Frost was not his first choice to lead the program in 2017.
The Secret Meeting with Chip Kelly
Moos reveals that after firing Mike Riley, his primary target was Chip Kelly. The former AD details a four-hour meeting with the former Oregon coach, coming away convinced that Kelly was the right man to restore Nebraska’s glory.
However, when he presented the idea to his superiors, he was met with a wall of silence.
«I was met with blank stares and a total lack of excitement… I later learned that a veteran regent and a generous donor to the university voiced a strong objection to the idea. I was not told I couldn’t pursue him, but I certainly felt negative vibes,» Moos writes.
Shortly after, Chip Kelly signed with UCLA, leaving Nebraska to follow the path we all know today.
An Unimpressive Encounter with Frost
The most shocking part of Moos’ memoir is his perception of Scott Frost. Despite Frost coming off an undefeated (13-0) season at UCF and being the «prodigal son» returning to his alma mater, Moos admits he was not impressed after meeting him.
So, why did he hire him? Pure fear of public perception.
- FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out): «If I don’t pursue him with everything I’ve got and he ends up at Tennessee or Florida [and succeeds], I’m screwed,» Moos confesses regarding the pressure to hire the hottest coaching candidate at the time.
The Disastrous Legacy of a «Forced» Decision
Time eventually proved Moos’ initial instincts right. Scott Frost’s tenure at Nebraska (2018-2022) was a total nightmare:
- Final Record: 16-31.
- Big Ten Record: A humiliating 10-26.
- Historic Failure: USA TODAY Sports recently listed the Frost hire as one of the 15 worst of the past decade in all of college football.
Moos’ revelation not only explains the Huskers’ decline but also highlights how internal politics and donor pressure can sink a historic program for years to end.
