[Husker] Perlman gives Pederson a vote of confidence

[Steve Reichenbach]

I disagree with Perlman.  Pederson has been by far the most divisive
figure in Husker athletics in nearly 50 years.  Moreover, it is
difficult to find anything very notable to his credit.  The football
program has suffered through its worst years in more than four
decades.  The basketball program has been a loser.  (We all hope Sadler
will change that, but at this point that is only hope.)  The baseball
team is struggling (although we hope that is just the transient
uncertain fortunes of that sport).  The volleyball program was and
still is in great shape.  The women's soccer team seems to have slipped
a little.  Most of the other sports (wrestling, gymnastics, etc.) are
in no better shape than they have been.  Pederson did get the new
athletic facilities, but those were pretty much a given.  From most
accounts, support for the program both financial and otherwise have
suffered.  Really, what great accomplishments are to Pederson's credit
to balance the damage he has done?

I think (a) NU could get someone at least as good to run the athletic
department, (b) many, and perhaps most, Huskers would be pleased or at
least relieved to see a change, (c) a change would help heal divisions
and increase support for the program.  The best scenario would be
Pederson deciding to step out (e.g., as a personal decision or based
on a private suggestion by Perlman), saying that he had accomplished
what he came to Nebraska to do.  Unfortunately, I don't think that will
happen.


> Mike Jaixen wrote:
> > "I'm perfectly prepared to say," Perlman said, "that I
> > don't see anything now that would lead me to any other
> > conclusion than I would enthusiastically extend his
> > contract when the time comes."
> >
> >   
>       I would agree with Perlman 100%.  One only has to look at the 
> totality of the Husker program to see Pederson has done well.
> 
> 
> Bob Beach