Nebraska's Riley fires special teams coordinator Bruce Read

Posted November 27, 2016 6:00 am

The Associated Press

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska coach Mike Riley has fired special teams coordinator Bruce Read.

The Cornhuskers have underperformed on special teams all season, and Read has been a target of fan complaints because of his $450,000 annual salary. Riley announced Read's dismissal Sunday, effective immediately.

Nebraska ranks 127th out of 128 FBS teams in net punting and has had three punts blocked. Nebraska is second-to-last in the Big Ten in opponent punt returns and 11th in opponent kick returns.

The Huskers also have been unable to get return man De'Mornay Pierson-El many chances to run back punts. He returned three for touchdowns two years ago.

Read has coached in the NFL and with Riley at Oregon State before joining him at Nebraska last season.

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In this Aug. 23, 2016 file photo, Nebraska linebacker Brad Simpson (56) stands between Tre Bryant (18) and Luke Gifford (12) as they listen to special teams coordinator Bruce Read, during NCAA college football practice in Lincoln, Neb. On Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, coach Riley announced that special teams coordinator Bruce Read has been dismissed from the staff, effective immediately. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik) The Associated Press

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