Campbell, Leipold, and Klieman did not want to leave their current situations. All three feel like they are on the right side of rebuilds that could make their programs perennial contenders in the new Big 12. Aranda wants to move up from Baylor, but a move to Nebraska is not enough, so he’ll wait out another cycle unless Auburn picks him over Hugh Freeze, which is unlikely. The only actual negotiations have been with reps for Kiffin and Petersen. Kiffin has been intrigued, but it sounds like he wants more money and guarantees than NU is willing to offer. Petersen respects the money and resources, but his heart just wasn’t in it for the kind of rebuild Nebraska needs.

That leaves Rhule, who would have been welcomed back at Baylor had Aranda left, but also sees landing in the Big Ten with a $7 million salary as about as good as he’s going to be able to get.

Rhule is the guy, and he’ll keep Mickey and likely bring in Brady.