Huskers Promote Shaun Watson to Offensive Coordinator

The Nebraska Cornhuskers found their new OC Saturday, and it didn't require a big national search. Tight ends coach Shawn Watson was hired to replace Jay Norvell who joined the UCLA staff after three years in Lincoln.

He sounds like someone who can compliment coach Bill Callahan in that he is versed in Callahan's offense and outlook.

He has an excellent offensive mind and has worked in this type of offensive system for a number of years. Shawn is also extremely organized and detail-oriented, and I am excited to having him lead our offensive unit

Don't expect many radical changes for the Husker offense, however. This is Bill Callahan's offense - part of the reason Norvell left for UCLA. Callahan calls the plays and can lead some to interpret his OC's as puppets.

That said, Watson was Colorado's offensive coordinator from 2000 to 2005 and head coach at Southern Illinois from 1997 to 1998.

So, what does this mean for Big Red? More of the same, probably. Watson has plenty of Big 12 experience and should nicely compliment Callahan's offensive duties. He's familiar with the personnel having spent a year as an offensive assistant (tight ends) and will have the luxury of coaching several fine offensive players like tailback Marlon Lucky, senior transfer quarterback Sam Keller and receiver Maurice Purify.