It came as a surprise this week when the University of Nebraska announced that it had hired Troy Dannen to be the athletic director. But after listening to what he said in his introduction to the Nebraska football team, and what he said about it, it’s easy to see why Matt Rhule is “fired up” about his hire.
Dannen got a chance to meet with the Nebraska football team after he was hired. The video was posted on Thursday night by the Huskers’ social media team. Dannen was introduced by Dennis LeBlanc, who was spectacular in his short time as interim AD, and he quickly took command of the room (huddle).
His public speaking reminded me of Matt Rhule. His passion was evident and it was clear that Dannen believes this is a special opportunity.
Troy Dannen explains why he came to Nebraska
“You don’t know how happy I am to be a part of your program,” Dannen said to the Nebraska football team. “And I understand I am a part of your program, you’re not a part of mine. My job is to put you guys in a position to succeed. We have 330 employees here and everyone is devoted to putting you guys in a position to succeed.”
Dannen, who was the AD at Tulane during the same time that Rhule was the head coach at Temple, pointed to Nebraska’s head coach and said, “I think this is the best football coach in the country. He (Matt Rhule) asked me why I want to come here, because I want to be here. This is where I want to live. This is where I want my family to live.”
“Two, I want to freaking win. I don’t do anything without wanting to win and that dude (Matt Rhule) is a winner. I want to be around him. That’s my why. There’s a reason I wanted to come here. There’s a reason everybody’s wanting to come here right now — this program is going special places.”
The great Tom Osborne said Nebraska needed an athletic director who wanted to be here. Trev Alberts didn’t. Troy Dannen does. That’s clear. So does Matt Rhule and as long we have him, Nebraska football will be just fine.
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