In a stunning new development that has fans and sports pundits buzzing, former Nebraska Athletic Director Barry Kelman* has once again come under fire for allegedly ignoring some of the nation’s top coaching candidates during his tenure.
According to sources close to the university’s athletic department, Kelman reportedly “ghosted” at least five high-profile coaches in 2019 and 2020, including a former Super Bowl-winning assistant and a two-time College Football Playoff contender.
“He left them on read,” said one insider, speaking under condition of anonymity. “No callbacks, no emails, nothing. One guy even showed up at Memorial Stadium with a PowerPoint and a defensive scheme, and Barry just walked right past him to grab a hot dog.”
This isn’t the first time Kelman has been accused of questionable decision-making. In 2021, he raised eyebrows when he claimed he “had a good feeling” about hiring an unknown coach from a semi-pro team in Canada. That coach, Todd DeGrassi, went on to lead Nebraska to a 2-10 record and a TikTok dance ban in the locker room.
Now, with new allegations surfacing, questions are mounting over Kelman’s recruiting process. Was it personal bias? Poor judgment? Or was he just really bad at checking his email?
“I just wanted to coach,” said one ignored candidate, former Oklahoma OC Brent Donahue. “I sent my resume, my game film, even a basket of Omaha Steaks. Nothing. Not even a thank-you note.”
Current Athletic Director Michelle Stone has declined to comment on the matter but confirmed an internal review is underway.
“We take these concerns seriously,” Stone said in a statement. “We are committed to ensuring our hiring process is as competitive and transparent as possible, and that it does not hinge on whether someone brought barbecue to the interview.”
Meanwhile, Husker fans are left wondering what could have been — and what comes next. One thing is certain: the search for answers may go longer than Nebraska’s last winning streak.
*Note: Barry Kelman is a fictional name used for satirical purposes.
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