To say that John Cook’s retirement as Nebraska volleyball’s head coach out of nowhere on January 29, 2025, took the fan base by surprise would be an understatement. Just a week before the announcement, Cook was in Ord, making arrangements for Big Red’s spring game against Kansas State. In fact, it had been less than a year since Cook signed a 5-year contract extension with Husker in May 2024.
Thankfully, the good news that former Huskers assistant coach Dani Busboom Kelly would not lead the Huskers came almost immediately after. Yet, one of the least talked about, but crucial details of this surprise switch-up nearly flew under the radar. None of NU’s volleyball stars entered the transfer portal despite Cook’s departure. “I trust Coach with Dani and I believe he’s going to put us in the best position possible to win, even if he’s not here,” said Harper Murray. However, there’s another aspect that helped NU’s cause.
In an interview with the Lincoln Journal Star, John Cook revealed how the NIL played a role in keeping the volleyball talent in Nebraska despite the abrupt transition. While discussing whether he was “proactive” or “reactive” about the advent of NIL in the college sports landscape, Cook revealed he was “Proactive. Very proactive,” about the phenomenon.
“I was proactive because the (transfer) portal was open, and then it closed. So we didn’t want players here thinking about leaving, or getting poached.” explained the NCAA-winning coach. The 69-year-old said he had talked to the players and the university had it all planned out, including a budget and even a bonus structure for the players who became All-Americans.
Nebraska Volleyball/Instagram
No wonder the Huskers remained loyal to the volleyball program. Not only did John Cook leave the Huskers in the capable hands of Dani Busboom Kelly, but he also paved the path for the players to reap the benefits of name, image, and likeness. It was also an example of the four-time national championship winner’s best qualities.
John Cook welcomed change
Of the 25 seasons the AVCA Coach of the Year winner spent in Nebraska, the NIL became a thing in the final five years of his head coaching career with the Big Red. However, the 69-year-old was willing to learn, adapt, and help his players reap the benefits at such a late stage. And the former head coach can adapt and change as the sport evolves, which became the highlight for many Huskers.
Take former Nebraska volleyball star-turned-pro Merritt Beason, for example. While she admitted that John Cook was stubborn at times with his approach, he was open to changing with the evolving volleyball landscape. “Even at his point in his career, he was still willing to adapt and to change,” explained the Atlanta Vibe outside hitter.
Amarillo Photo/Instagram
“There were so many things that I went to him… Like, okay, I know this is how you’ve done things for X amount of years, but this team needs X, Y, and Z,” said Beason. And Coach Cook took the time to listen and factor in those suggestions when making his decision. It was one of the retired head coach’s “all-time favorite” qualities, as far as Beason is concerned. Maybe that’s why Cook is willing to try something new again.
During his chat with the Lincoln Journal Star, John Cook admitted that he would be willing to try volleyball commentary. “I’m thinking about it. I really, really enjoy it. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. We just have to work through what their plan is,” confessed the NCAA coach. So don’t be surprised if the former Huskers coach becomes a regular at the announcer’s booth in the future.
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