
Position: | Head Coach |
Year: | Junior |
Alma Mater: | Illinois Benedictine College |
Graduating Year: | 1978 |
Eligibility: | Junior |
Experience: | 1st Year |
Bill Callahan guided Nebraska to a 27-22 record in his four years in Lincoln from 2003-07. He led the Huskers to 9-5 mark in 2006 that included a Big 12 North Division title and a trip to the Big 12 Championship Game. Nebraska lost to Oklahoma, 21-7, in the conference title game at Arrowhead Stadium, before earning a New Year's Day bowl invitation to the Cotton Bowl. NU fell to Auburn, 17-14, to close the 2006 season.
After seeing steady improvement in his first three seasons, beginning with a 5-6 record in 2004 and advancing with an 8-4 mark and tie for second in the Big 12 North in 2005, the Huskers took a step back in Callahan's final season in 2007.
Nebraska finished with a 5-7 record - the Huskers' second losing season in four years under Callahan. The seven losses represented the most by an NU team since 1958.
While Nebraska's offense continued to score points in the West Coast offensive philosophy installed by Callahan, averaging a more than respectable 33.4 points per game, the Husker defense struggled by historic standards, surrendering 37.9 points per game.
Callahan was removed by Athletic Director Tom Osborne at the conclusion of the 2007 season, and former Nebraska defensive coordinator Bo Pelini, who had just helped LSU to a national title as the Tigers' defensive coordinator, was hand-picked by Osborne as Callahan's replacement.
Having coached on every level during his career, Callahan was one of five coaches to take a collegiate head coaching job after previously guiding a team to the Super Bowl. Callahan brought a wealth of experience to
A
High School | ||
Years |
Team |
Coaching Responsibility |
1978 |
Oak Lawn (Oak Lawn, Ill.) |
Assistant Coach |
1979 |
De La Salle (Chicago, Ill.) |
Assistant Coach |
College | ||
Years |
Team |
Coaching Responsibility |
1980-81 |
Illinois |
Associate Coach |
1982-83 |
Illinois |
Special Teams, Tight Ends |
1984-85 |
Illinois |
Offensive Line |
1986 |
Illinois |
Quarterbacks |
1987-88 |
Northern Arizona |
Offensive Line |
1989 |
Southern Illinois |
Offensive Coordinator |
1990-94 |
Wisconsin |
Offensive Line |
National Football League | ||
Years |
Team |
Coaching Responsibility |
1995-97 |
Philadelphia Eagles |
Offensive Line |
1998 |
Oakland Raiders |
Offensive Coordinator, Tight Ends |
1999-2001 |
Oakland Raiders |
Offensive Coordinator, Offensive Line |
2002-03 |
Oakland Raiders |
Head Coach |
College | ||
Years |
Team |
Coaching Responsibility |
2004-07 |
Nebraska |
Head Coach |