A shocking revelation has emerged from the pages of former Nebraska athletic director Bill Moos' memoir, "Crab Creek Chronicles: From the Wheat Fields to the Ball Fields and Beyond." Moos, who served from 2017 to 2021, has revealed that his initial choice for the Cornhuskers' coach was not Scott Frost, as many believed, but rather the renowned Chip Kelly.
In a twist of fate, Moos' superiors shot down the idea, leaving him with a difficult decision to make.
"I was met with blank stares and a total lack of enthusiasm," Moos wrote. "A powerful regent and a generous donor voiced strong objections. I wasn't explicitly forbidden, but the negative vibes were palpable. Within a week, Chip Kelly was named UCLA's head coach."
But here's where it gets controversial... Moos then turned his attention to Frost, a Nebraska native and a beloved figure among Huskers fans. He scheduled a meeting with Frost, but the encounter was far from ideal. Moos described Frost as "in sweats and unshaven" when he entered the room, and his wife, Kendra, assessed him as "too immature."
Despite these reservations, Moos pursued Frost, fearing the consequences if he didn't.
"If I don't go all-in on Frost and he ends up at Tennessee or Florida, I'm in trouble," Moos wrote.
Kendra's response? "But if you bring Nebraska's golden boy home and he fails, you're really in deep water. People forget quickly."
And indeed, Frost's tenure at Nebraska was short-lived, with a disappointing record of 16-31. He was eventually fired by Moos' successor, Trev Alberts, in 2022.
But the drama doesn't end there. Moos also revealed that he was ordered to undergo an evaluation for alcoholism after a meeting with the university's chancellor and president. He spent four days at the Betty Ford Center, only to be told he didn't have an addiction.
Moos' memoir also delves into his attempts to bring Nebraska back to the Big 12 conference, a move that was met with resistance from the university's leadership.
"Nebraska's place in the Big Ten never felt right, and it wasn't just me who felt that way," Moos wrote.
As for his initial choice, Chip Kelly, Moos acknowledged that he was a top candidate but faced opposition from within the university.
So, what do you think? Was Moos right to pursue Frost despite his reservations? And should Nebraska have considered returning to the Big 12? The floor is open for discussion. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!
