Tom Dienhart, BTN.com Senior Writer, December 7, 2011

With Carl Pelini off to replace Howard Schnellenberger as Florida Atlantic coach, Nebraska will need a new defensive coordinator. Pelini, the brother of Husker head coach Bo, won?t coach with the 9-3 Cornhuskers in the Capital One Bowl against South Carolina

Former Arizona head coach Mike Stoops has been mentioned as a possible replacement. Stoops, who also has been mentioned as a possible member of Urban Meyer?s new Ohio State staff, and Cornhusker head coach Bo Pelini grew up in Youngstown, Ohio, and attended Cardinal Mooney High School. Nebraska beat Stoops? Arizona team in the 2009 Holiday Bowl, 33-0.

But don?t be shocked if Bo Pelini promotes defensive line/special teams coordinator John Papuchis. He has been on the staff for four seasons and is highly thought of. He?s also recruiting coordinator.

Whoever assumes command as coordinator of Nebraska?s defense will receive a hand from Bo Pelini, an astute defensive mind who has ample coordinator experience. Nebraska?s defense ranks seventh in the Big Ten (350.7 ypg) and seventh in points allowed (22.8 ppg).

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