Trev Alberts wants the public to understand: Nebraska’s coaching search did not begin prematurely.
The Huskers’ athletic director made it a priority Sunday to maintain respect for now-former Nebraska football coach Scott Frost. Alberts thanked Frost in front of the locker room Sunday morning. He left Frost alone to speak with his team one more time. And he made it clear that NU was invested Frost until the moment it decided to fire him.
“We were all in to help Scott be successful,†Alberts said. “Everybody on it's got to be successful.â€
Now that Frost is gone, Alberts sees no value in further dissecting why he failed. It wouldn’t be fair to Frost, Alberts argued, and Alberts still believes Frost will find success coaching elsewhere.
That he didn’t at Nebraska hurt Alberts, Frost and the fanbase. “But mostly, I just want to salute Scott,†Alberts said. “He’ll always be a Husker, he’s from the great state of Nebraska, and he’ll always be welcomed here.â€
Alberts not interested in hypotheticals: Might Alberts have retained Frost if Nebraska found a way to beat Georgia Southern last night?
“I don't want to get into the what ifs,†Alberts said. “I don't think that's very healthy. We are where we are. We're 16-31. And I want to give this group of players an opportunity to have a different voice to try to instigate the change.â€
Stop talking about the past: No more talking about championships. No more talk about what used to be or whether Nebraska can be that again.
Alberts views that conjecture as unhelpful to helping Nebraska football grow from where it is. No bowls since 2016, three wins last season and a recent loss to Georgia Southern.
There are many steps between this low point and the heights of the 90s. Alberts wants to see his program climb a few before those conversations begin again.
“We need to start focusing on those small fundamental things that ultimately lead to (championships,†Alberts said. “I’d just love to see this team make progress as a team that represents the values of Nebraska. Win the line of scrimmage, do the fundamental things that teams need to do to win games. I think we can get there.â€
Photos: From Wood River to Memorial Stadium to Orlando and back again, Scott Frost's Husker career
Here's a look at 21 potential college and NFL candidates who could take the Nebraska football head coaching job — and the pros and cons of each pick.Â