Bo Pelini was named the next head coach at Youngstown State, a Football Championship Subdivision school. (Getty)
Just over 2 weeks after being fired by Nebraska, Bo Pelini is set to become the next head coach at Youngstown State, a Football Championship Subdivision school.
“It is with great passion and enthusiasm that I become the head football coach at Youngstown State University.” Pelini said in a statement.
Youngstown State released this story on its official website.
Pelini spent 7 seasons at Nebraska, but was let go Nov. 30, the day after the regular season ended. The 47-year-old will replace Eric Wolford at Youngstown, which was once an FCS (formerly I-AA) power.
The Penguins have only made the FCS playoffs once since 2000 and have gone 31-26 over the past 5 seasons.
Here’s all you need to know about Pelini’s move to Youngstown State:
1. Pelini is a Youngstown, Ohio, Native
(Getty)
Pelini was born Dec. 13, 1967, in Youngstown, Ohio, where he graduated from Cardinal Mooney High School. Pelini then went on to attend Ohio State and played safety for the Buckeyes from 1987-90. He was a four-year letterman and a team captain.
“This is an exciting time for my family and me as we return to the Mahoning Valley. Mary Pat and our children are anxious to get involved in the Youngstown State and local communities,” Pelini added in the statement.
In 1993, Pelini returned to Cardinal Mooney to coach the team’s quarterbacks.
2. Pelini Has NFL And FBS Coaching Experience
It’s not often you see a coach with NFL and FBS experience take a job in the FCS. Pelini did. After a graduate assistant year at Iowa in 1991 and the QB coaching job at his high school alma mater, Pelini’s coaching career took off. He started in the NFL, then moved to college.
1994-96 San Francisco 49ers Defensive Backs coach
1997-99 New England Patriots Linebackers coach
2000-02 Green Bay Packers Linebackers coach
2003 Nebraska Defensive Coordinator and interim head coach for the team’s bowl game
2004 Oklahoma Co-Defensive Coordinator
2005-07 LSU Defensive Coordinator
2008-2014 Nebraska Head Coach
3. He Won at Least 9 Games in Every Season With Nebraska
In his 7 seasons at Nebraska, Pelini won at least 9 games in each of them, compiling a 67-27 record and 4 division titles. He went 4-3 in bowl games, including the 2003 season when he was the interim coach.
2008 9-4 overall, 5-3 Big 12 (tied for 1st in North Division)
2009 10-4 overall, 6-2 Big 12 (1st in North)
2010 10-4 overall, 6-2 Big 12 (tied for 1st in North)
2011 9-4 overall, 5-3 Big Ten (3rd in Legends Division)
2012 10-4 overall, 7-1 Big Ten (1st in Legends)
2013 9-4 overall, 5-3 Big Ten (tied for 2nd in Legends)
2014 9-3 overall, 5-3 Big Ten (tied for 2nd in West)
4. Details of The Contract Have Not Been Announced
According to the school press release, Pelini is expected to begin his job as the Youngstown head coach on Wednesday. At this time, no contract details have been made public.
Though making as much money as he did at Nebraska isn’t going to happen.
According to reports, Pelini made over $3 million this season, his last with the Cornhuskers.
5. Former Ohio State Coach Jim Tressel is The President of Youngstown State
Youngstown State president Jim Tressel was once the head coach at Ohio State. (Getty)
The president of Youngstown State is a familiar name to college football fans: Jim Tressel. Tressel coached Ohio State from 2001-10, winning a national championship in 2002. He also coached Youngstown when it was a I-AA power. Tressel’s Penguins won 4 national titles (1991, 1993, 1994 and 1997).
Tressel resigned from Ohio State on May 30, 2011, because of mounting NCAA issues. The Buckeyes had to vacate all their wins for the 2010 season for using ineligible players, something Tressel admitted he knew about.
