Earlier today an emotional John Cook met with the media to address his decision to retire as head coach of the Nebraska volleyball program which was made public late Wednesday afternoon. Cook was asked why he felt this was the right time to step down as head coach.
“I don’t know if there was a light bulb moment it was just a feeling and I’ve talked to some other people who have retired or just retired, friends of mine. Of course I’ve studied Saban and those guys. It just was a feeling. I started feeling it and like Troy said I came into Troy and said I just think we need to start talking about a succession plan. Is that now, is it nine months from now, what is it? And just as we started moving through it and talking to Dani it just felt now is the right time.”
Cook complimented NU Athletic Director Troy Dannen for the way he has handled and navigated through this situation.
“I also want to thank Troy and Christen. The last week what they have pulled off is unbelievable to me. How all this happened. How fast it happened and how they did everything. We kept it top secret. Troy’s like we go to China and they got these guys that get these plates going. They’ve got 25 plates all spinning on sticks. That’s what Troy’s been doing this week and he’s done an amazing job.”
Dani Busboom Kelly, former Nebraska player and assistant coach, has been named as Cook’s successor. Busboom Kelly has spent the last eight seasons as the head coach at Louisville. During that time she compiled a record of 203-44. Cook talked about handing the program over to Busboom Kelly.
“This all really started when, I can’t remember how many years it goes, but Dani and I whenever we go recruiting in the same recruiting place we always pick a real nice place to go to dinner. She always dresses up and I’m just wearing this. We just visit. There was a few years ago when she got a new contract she said I put in there I have a none buyout clause with Nebraska. I said so that means you want to come back. She said ‘yeah’. So that’s kind of where it started. So that was it. She planted that seed and I knew that was her dream. I called her after Christmas and I just said Dani this is how I’m feeling what are you thinking. So we just started thinking a little bit about it. Of course it’s Troy’s decision and he had never really met Dani so all I did was say I think this is who should be the next coach here.”
Other notes from Thursday’s press conference, Cook said he will stay involved with the Nebraska athletic program and will do whatever he can to assist Dani in her transition. He said visiting with the team about his decision was difficult especially sharing the news with Harper Murray. He said the team is dedicated to helping Busboom Kelly continue the success that has been established in the Nebraska volleyball program.
To listen to Cook’s full press conference click here
