Nebraska football, coach Scott Frost hit with NCAA violations ahead of 2022 season
Nebraska football coach Scott Frost received a one-year show-cause order and a five-day planned suspension after breaking coaching rules, the NCAA announced.
Additional penalties include an extended probation until next April, a reduction of on-field coaches for two practices, and a $10,000 fine.
The NCAA decided the case using the negotiated resolution process, which is available when a member school doesn't dispute the facts of the alleged violation.
Not an ideal start for Frost and Nebraska, who come into the 2022 football season looking to recover from a tough four-year stretch in which the Cornhuskers didn't record a winning season.
What did Scott Frost and Nebraska do?
The NCAA violation in question involved a former special teams analyst who "provided technical or tactical instruction to student-athletes" during football practices, film sessions, and games.
Because of that analyst's involvement, Nebraska technically exceeded the rule that permits just 10 on-field assistant coaches during those times.
The violations took place during the Cornhuskers' 2020 football season.
Analysts are allowed to speak with coaches, but are not permitted to have direct, personal contact with players. The NCAA claims that the analyst in question took part in individual film analysis with players and made calls during competition.
Frost was hit with a Level II punishment for being aware of the violation and not acting to correct it. His suspension will take place at some time during the football season.
Huskers' special teams struggled
Nebraska wanting to get some extra help on special teams make some sense.
The team ranked No. 111 in college football in net punting production, No. 96 in kickoff returns, No. 87 in kickoff return defense, and No. 105 in punt return defense.
Nebraska hired Bill Busch to work as special teams coordinator this offseason. As a coach, he's allowed to interact with players the way an analyst is not.
Nebraska wants to move on
"It is important for the Nebraska Athletic Department and football program to put this matter behind us and turn our full attention to the upcoming season," Nebraska AD Trev Alberts said in a statement.
"We are pleased with the outcome and believe the negotiated resolution is fair and equitable. At Nebraska we are committed to running an athletic department that is fully compliant with all NCAA rules."
(h/t NCAA)
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