New Huskers assistant Glenn Thomas ‘fired up to be here’
Glenn Thomas, the new co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, has made some radio comments.
It appears that all of the necessary factors are present for a successful first week on the job.
A new challenge. He can immediately tell that the people are excited about football. Some well-known faces on staff, including a head coach whom he considers a mentor. Young quarterbacks are eager to learn and lead.
Yes, Glenn Thomas may scrawl checkmarks on paper to explain why he’s in Nebraska, with a house already under contract and his family moving in a few weeks.
“It was great to see so many familiar faces, including Garret McGuire, whom I coached in college, and E.J. (Barthel), who used to work in the recruiting department. Cooper [Evan Cooper]. On Tuesday night, Nebraska’s newest full-time assistant coach told the Huskers Radio Network, “You name it.” “It just made tremendous sense in that aspect, and I was aware of Coach Rhule’s expectations in terms of culture and standards. I understood what he was actually preaching here, and I felt like I could add to that by coming here.
Thomas, a product of Texas with a Texas accent, hopes that his experience as a college coach and in the NFL, where he worked with Matt Ryan during some of his best days in Atlanta, would serve him well in his new position.
Husker fans are aware that this is a significant position: quarterbacks coach and co-offensive coordinator after previously working as an offensive assistant for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“From a professional standpoint, I believe you need to approach things a little differently. Obviously (in the NFL), you’re dealing with a grown man who has a mortgage and kids and has been in the league for eight to ten years, whereas coming here, you may be dealing with an 18-year-old freshman who is kind of laying the groundwork for football,” Thomas said in an interview with Greg Sharpe.
He believes that his experience at both the collegiate and professional levels has made him a stronger coach, since he has learned how to interact with a seven-year Pro Bowler and has coached 18-year-olds who were thrust in as starters for their college teams straight away.
“So I think that’s helped me really be conscious and deliberate in my coaching style and how I deliver information,” he said.
He will coach a room that includes three scholarship quarterbacks: junior Heinrich Haarberg, freshmen Dylan Raiola and Daniel Kaelin, and the latter two are already on campus as early enrollees.
It’s fun to introduce those young men to the college game. Of course, it brings its own set of obstacles.
“You need to figure out where they are. Thomas asked, “What is their floor, if you will, and build on that.” “I believe that a lot of feedback is required at an early stage. Allow them to talk. Allow them to share what they know, their experiences, what they like – or believe they like – and how you might expand on it. So I believe that’s the first challenge.”
That procedure has started in the last several days.
Thomas knew Raiola briefly when the Raiola family visited Arizona while Thomas was coaching at Arizona State. He’s also impressed by Haarberg and Kaelin, according to his initial interactions with them.
“Very hard workers. Leaders. You can already see they have a terrific vibe and persona, so I believe we’re in good hands with those guys.
Thomas pointed out that the initial pages of the playbook don’t only feature Raiola and Kaelin.
