Long time Nebraska assistant coach George Darlington passed away Sunday at the age of 87. He was the longest serving assistant coach in Nebraska football history, working under both Tom Osborne and Frank Solich. Darlington easily falls under the category of icon, as he was widely admired and had significant influence on Nebraska’s football program for over 30 years. Even after he no longer served as an assistant, he was still involved and made an impact on Cornhusker football.
Osborne hired Darlington in 1973. He was an assistant with San Jose State at the time. He started out coaching defensive ends for the first 13 years before becoming the defensive backs coach in 1986. During Darlington’s 30-year tenure the Huskers compiled a 304-65-3 record, won 14 conference titles and finished with a top 10 national ranking 21 times. He was part of 30 consecutive bowl games and assisted in winning three national titles, 1994, 1995, and 1997.
While those at Nebraska gave up on George in 2002, George never gave up on Nebraska. He made himself present and he sat in the press box for Husker games and was always good for a humorous comment. During one such game after a Husker turnover, George was heard mocking a Shakespeare quote, “Better to not have been born if you turn the ball over.” I’m going to guess he said that to more than one player over the years.
George taught ‘Football 101’ at Southeast Community College for the last 40 years, creating his own textbook with illustrations in the 1990’s. The book helped teach the basics of offense, defense, special teams, officials signals, and rules. I took his class two years ago because I thought it would be fun and I wanted to meet George. All I can say is, if you are truly a Husker fan, as I am, it was amazing to spend time with him. George was a joy, his stories entertaining and his knowledge never ending. As a former football player, I loved his film breakdown and looked forward to what he had to say each week.
He attended practice almost every day when able and to Matt Rhule’s credit he respected and embraced George and his experience. George spoke of how the current players called him coach and fist-bumped him as they went onto the practice field. He loved still being connected to the team.
I never saw George coach, but he emersed himself in his teaching and put things in the clearest terms. If I had to describe George in a single word, it would be ‘honesty.’ That was what you were always going to get from George, good, bad or controversial. There was no straddling the fence with George, he shared his opinion and I appreciated that.
Husker fans can look back on the 30 years of winning seasons and know men like George Darlington made that possible. He was one of many, but there were few like him. He was more than a coach.
I still have my little ‘Football 101’ textbook, signed by George. It’ll be something I’ll revisit often and smile every time I do. Godspeed coach.
GO BIG RED!! SIMPLE, FAST, VIOLENT!!
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