Social Media Reacts Emotionally to Nebraska Volleyball Coaching Change

For 20 minutes on Wednesday evening, Nebraska volleyball fans didn't know if they were crying tears of sadness, joy, or excitement as John Cook announced his retirement and Dani Busboom Kelly was named his replacement.
It was a whirlwind moment as Cook, who led the Huskers for 25 years, decided it was time to ride off into the sunset and bring in a new era of Husker volleyball with one of his former players taking over.
Here is a look at how some fans, former Huskers, and media personalities reacted to the news:
Are we looking at John Cook's succession plan right here?
— Grace Boyles (@GraceBBoyles) January 29, 2025
Today the 25-year #Nebraska volleyball head coach announced he's retiring. This was Cook Friday in Omaha hanging out with former #Husker and current #Louisville VB head coach Dani Busboom Kelly. https://t.co/OT5iQOVTz2
That’s was the longest…
— Enrique Alvarez-Clary (@RadioRicoAC) January 29, 2025
*checks watch*
20 minutes of my life.
John Cook retires.
Dani Busboom Kelly takes over the reigns of the #Huskers Volleyball program.
Exhale 😮💨
I wasn’t planning to drink tonight, but with the recent announcement I better have one for John! What an amazing career! #GBR Looking back I’m glad I went to two matches this last season ❤️🤍 #huskers pic.twitter.com/keeucitCAz
— Joyce Rhules 2024 (@saf2564) January 29, 2025
Had it ready in the drafts had they faced off. Would’ve been a poetic final match for John Cook. https://t.co/sxDwhjBTio pic.twitter.com/Ld4Rgwx82d
— Matt Schick (@ESPN_Schick) January 29, 2025
Nebraska volleyball announcing the retirement of John Cook and then 20 minutes later announcing the hire of Louisville coach and Husker alum Dani Busboom Kelly, who just led her team to the National Championship, is pretty epic. https://t.co/crU9BgJtKO
— Gray Robertson (@gray_robertson) January 29, 2025
My Husker volleyball sadness flipped to gladness in 20 minutes flat. 😅
— Senator Julie Slama (@SenatorSlama) January 29, 2025
Fantastic hire to replace a legend. ❤️ https://t.co/HDTyOZcwrQ
Wow. An absolute legend and grew the game of volleyball more than anyone I know. Major congrats to John on a successful career. Hope he stays with NU athletics in some capacity. https://t.co/BdX0ZOmzLr
— Josh Gattis (@speed_in_space) January 29, 2025
Somebody answer me please...hello? Is this really a happening? Is there a support group? Please someone help 😫😫 https://t.co/iyGZcVtCed
— Tori Tyson (@ToriTyson) January 29, 2025
"The longer I coach, the less I know."
— Nick Burkhardt (@nickburkhardt) January 29, 2025
I've never met a coach more accomplished but yet so humble in his approach to a life of learning than @jcook2. Even as a legendary figure, he trusted those around him to do their job, provide knowledge and ultimately make him a better coach… https://t.co/5w1U7EPltC
I remember sitting behind the bench in the Coliseum and being able to hear what Coach Cook was saying in the huddle. Years later I was in the crowd when he thanked Husker Nation for setting a world record.
— Brea Lassek (@BreaLassek) January 29, 2025
25 seasons and so many memories for players and fans. THANK YOU❤️🐐 https://t.co/nbuYtf1S5M
Enjoy retirement , Coach Cook! Thanks for 25 amazing years! @HuskerVB pic.twitter.com/2e7E8ghBrP
— LegoScenesOfLincoln (@JasonDlego) January 29, 2025
Thoughts on John Cook retiring. Consistent excellence! pic.twitter.com/YKFPbZypnm
— Kelly Sheffield (@KellyPSheffield) January 30, 2025
MORE: Dani Busboom Kelly Named New Nebraska Volleyball Coach, Replacing John Cook
MORE: Nebraska Volleyball Coach John Cook Announces Retirement
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