Bob Devaney: Architect of the Big Red Dynasty
Few coaches have ever engineered a more dramatic program turnaround than Bob Devaney. When he arrived at the University of Nebraska in 1962, the program had suffered through 21 consecutive non-winning seasons. Devaney changed everything, instantly transforming the Cornhuskers into a national force and creating a vital chapter in college football history.
His tenure peaked with the legendary 1970 and 1971 teams, which won back-to-back consensus national championships. The 1971 squad, often cited as one of the greatest ever, sealed its title in the famous "Game of the Century" against Oklahoma. Devaney's genius extended to program building; after retiring from coaching, he became athletic director and hand-picked his successor, Tom Osborne. This move ensured the Big Red dynasty he built would dominate for another quarter-century, cementing Devaney's legacy in college football history. 🏈
