‘I Think Raiola Is Ready To Take Off’: Sam Khan Jr. Discusses Dana Holgorsen’s Impact On Nebraska’s 2025 Offense
Sam Khan Jr. Discusses Dana Holgorsen’s Impact on Nebraska’s 2025 Offense, Praises Raiola’s Potential
Sam Khan Jr. of The Athletic, who previously covered Dana Holgorsen at Houston, shared his insights on what the new offensive coordinator could bring to Nebraska’s offense in 2025. Khan discussed Holgorsen’s coaching style, how he fits into Nebraska’s program, and his expectations for quarterback Dylan Raiola’s growth under Holgorsen’s tutelage.
Holgorsen’s Coaching Style and Impact
Khan expressed high regard for Holgorsen, calling him one of his favorite coaches. He emphasized Holgorsen’s straightforward approach to coaching, noting that the veteran coach is honest to a fault. Khan pointed out that Holgorsen doesn’t hesitate to speak his mind, and if he thinks a player isn’t performing well, he won’t hold back from saying so. While this directness may be difficult for some players to handle, Khan believes it’s always constructive, aimed at improving players and pushing them to meet high standards.
Khan compared Holgorsen’s personality to that of Mike Leach, another coach known for his no-nonsense approach. Though Holgorsen doesn’t share Leach’s long-winded stories, his philosophy and coaching style align with Leach’s, particularly in terms of focusing on the fundamentals of offensive football. Khan praised Holgorsen’s passion for calling plays and his genuine love for the game, which he believes had waned during his time as a head coach at Houston. While Holgorsen had success managing the program and adapting to changes in roster management, Khan suggested that Holgorsen’s true joy lies in coaching and calling plays, not managing a team.
Khan feels that Nebraska is an excellent fit for Holgorsen, as head coach Matt Rhule provides the structure and vision Holgorsen needs to focus on what he does best. Holgorsen won’t be required to spend much time on recruiting, which is another area he isn’t particularly fond of, and instead can concentrate on developing the offense and coaching the players. Khan believes this setup will allow Holgorsen to thrive and make a significant impact on Nebraska’s offensive production.
Holgorsen’s Offensive Philosophy
Khan highlighted Holgorsen’s ability to create dynamic offensive game plans. He cited specific examples, such as Houston’s impressive performance against Texas in 2023, as a demonstration of Holgorsen’s ability to call plays that exploit weaknesses in the opponent’s defense. He also referenced Holgorsen’s successful tenure at West Virginia, where his offensive strategies nearly propelled the Mountaineers to a Big 12 championship. Khan sees Holgorsen as a coach who is deeply passionate about offensive football, constantly seeking ways to win and improve.
With a young, talented quarterback like Dylan Raiola, Khan is optimistic about Nebraska’s offensive potential. He expects Holgorsen to utilize his expertise to help Raiola develop, noting that Holgorsen’s playbook and offensive strategies, particularly the “mesh” concept, are proven to work. Khan believes that with Holgorsen’s guidance, Raiola will be able to harness his raw talent and show significant growth in the 2025 season.
Raiola’s Development Under Holgorsen
Khan spoke highly of Raiola’s abilities, noting his poise and maturity on the field. He is excited to see how Raiola’s development will progress after having a few games under his belt last season and a full offseason to work with Holgorsen. Khan sees Raiola as having the potential to truly “take off” under Holgorsen’s tutelage.
Conclusion: High Hopes for 2025 Offense
Khan is eager to see how the Nebraska offense evolves under Holgorsen’s leadership in 2025. He believes Holgorsen is in a much better place now, both professionally and personally, and is excited to see how his offensive schemes will come together. With the right mix of leadership from Rhule, a talented quarterback in Raiola, and Holgorsen’s play-calling expertise, Khan is confident that Nebraska’s offense could see a major boost in the coming season.
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