BYU Cougars

BYU's Mendenhall, Nebraska's Riley have long history, strong friendship

Published Sep. 1, 2015 10:56 p.m. ET

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BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall and Nebraska coach Mike Riley have never worked together on the same staff, but over the years, their paths have crossed again and again.

The latest confluence is to take place Saturday at Memorial Stadium, where the Cougars visit the Cornhuskers for Riley’s debut as Nebraska’s coach.

Prior to taking the job in Lincoln, Riley spent 14 seasons at Oregon State, interrupted by a stint as the head coach of the NFL’s San Diego Chargers. Riley, who has 41 years of coaching experience, including 24 years as a head coach, became the winningest coach in OSU history.

During his time in Corvallis, Riley faced Mendenhall’s Cougar teams three times, with BYU winning two and the Beavers winning one.

“We’ve known BYU through the years, played them a few times, so we kind of know the quality of the team and the style that we are about to enter into here,” Riley said.

So while the Cougars and Huskers are set for their first-ever meeting, both staffs are familiar with each other and their styles of play.

(h/t Deseret Morning News)

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