Mickey Joseph opens up on becoming Nebraska's interim coach: 'This is bigger than me'

The news of Scott Frost’s firing in Lincoln has affected the entire Nebraska football program. The Cornhuskers are just three games into their season and are now in search of a new voice. For now, though, interim head coach Mickey Joseph is left to pick up the pieces of this team and do his best to put them together with a lot of season left to play.

Joseph opened his ‘introductory’ press conference talking about the importance he places on ensuring his players are okay. This is a major shift in the program that, while expected at times, some weren’t prepared for this early on. He says that while it means a lot to be Nebraska’s next head coach, this decision is bigger than him as of now.

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“Right now, my number one focus and the staff’s focus is the boys, is the players. That we make sure that they’re okay,” said Joseph. “This is about Nebraska football. It’s bigger than me than anyone else. I want y’all to understand that. It’s bigger to me than anyone else.”

Joseph was just three games into his Nebraska tenure when this promotion came. Frost hired him as a passing game coordinator and the WRs coach. As the associate head coach as well, he was the natural next-in-line with Frost’s time over and done with.

While AD Trev Alberts and the university look for Frost’s official replacement, this is Joseph’s chance to make his case for the spot. He understands the weight of this opportunity and is appreciative of the school and Alberts for giving it to him and his family.

“I appreciate Trev and the administration for showing in me to lead the program…I want to thank the fans who continue to support us, ride with us, and stay with us through thick and thin. They’ve done that,” said Joseph. “(It’s) just a great opportunity for me and my family. We understand that we’re here to represent the University of Nebraska to the fullest.”

Mickey Joseph has no time to rest after this whirlwind week. He has to get the Cornhuskers ready to face a Top-10 opponent with Oklahoma coming to their house. It’s a lot to ask of a program to rebound after a situation like this on such short notice. Be that as it may, that’s Joseph’s new job description and it’s on him and his staff to help their team put up the best performance they can.