While the news of the day has been what recruits the Nebraska football team could bring in, Mike Riley appears to have landed himself a talented assistant as well. The Huskers have been operating a bit shorthanded on the coaching staff for the last few weeks after safeties coach Brian Stewart and defensive coordinator Mark Banker left Lincoln on the same day.
New coach coming in
New defensive coordinator Bob Diaco was hired just days after Mark Banker was let go from the Nebraska football staff, but Stewart's spot had been left vacant. Today, HuskersOnline is reporting the opening is soon going to be filled in the form of former Husker defensive back Josh Bullocks.
Bullocks was a safety for NU during arguably the best period of time in the history of the program, much like defensive line coach John Parrella.
Its become rather clear that Riley certainly understands that his staff must contain talented coaches and recruiters, but he's also made moves to have connections to Husker teams in the past. The good news is that neither Parrella nor Bullocks have been brought in simply because they have ties to the Huskers, but also because they have some serious cred as coaches.
Bullocks' pedigree
Not only was Josh Bullocks a star for the Nebraska football team, but he went on to have at least a little success in the NFL. After his playing days ended, Bullocks made a career out of coaching.
This past year Bullocks was an assistant secondary coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Before spending one year in the NFL, the former Husker spent two years (2012-14) with Northern Iowa as a defensive back coach, and 2015 at Eastern Michigan.
Obviously, it's hard to know just what Bullocks brings to the table when it comes to developing players and bringing in players.
Clearly, he's someone who is getting some good word of mouth since Riley has shown he's attempting to put together a staff that will be able to go for it when it comes to making a run at the Big Ten title. One thing's certain: the defensive staff is going to be something to watch this season.
