Beckner explains decision to leave Nebraska
For the fifth time in less than four years, Nebraska was left having to find a new assistant coach after the departure of Phil Beckner was announced on Monday.
After serving on head coach Tim Miles’ staff for only nine months, Beckner confirmed to HuskerOnline.com that he would be joining the staff at Boise State as an assistant coach under Leon Rice.
The 33-year-old came to Lincoln after seven years as an assistant at Weber State and then one season with the Oklahoma City Blue of the NBA Developmental League.
He’s worked with Rice in the past as well as Bronco associate head coach Jeff Linder, as the two were on the same Weber State staff for one season and have remained close friends.
The move certainly came as a surprise to some, but Beckner said the opportunity at BSU was something he simply couldn’t pass up.
“I just really think it’s the right fit at the right time,” Beckner said. “That’s just because I’m familiar with their staff, I’ve worked with a guy on their staff. Even before that, it’s a winning program. They’ve been to the NCAA Tournament two out of the last four years, they’ve won 20 games five out of the last six years, they’ve been in the Top 25.
“So obviously it’s a successful program with someone you know there who you’ve worked with and developed a great relationship with. It makes a job like that really intriguing and really exciting.”
Along with the familiarity with the Boise State staff and the chance to move back out west, the Buckeye, Ariz., native was also drawn to the opportunity to take control of the Broncos’ defense - something he did both at Weber State and in the D-League.
“Being out west, just because I’m from that area and have been in that area, obviously there’s a bit more of a comfortability being out there,” Beckner said. “Also, they’re going to ask me to coach the defense, which I’ve done at Weber State and with the D-League team. I was like the defensive coordinator there.
“Their system and their style of play is something that I’m excited to learn about. They kind of play that four-out, European style and have kind of been a unique brand out west. I think that’s something that would be pretty cool to learn about and be a part of. Like I said, I’ve learned a ton from Tim Miles and the program here, but Boise State is unique in that aspect. Getting to coach the defense is right up my alley. It’s what I’ve always done.”
Some initial reaction around the Nebraska fan base to Beckner’s departure was concern over the amount of turnover Miles’ staff has seen since he took over in 2012. Beckner was adamant in shooting down any notion that Miles was difficult to work for or that there was some sort of rift within NU’s staff.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity Coach game me, and I’m grateful for the opportunity that Nebraska game me,” Beckner said. “It’s not like it was just an easy decision. I think they’ve got a great group of young guys here that are going to be pretty special, guys like Glynn Watson. I even think with their 2016 and even 2017 recruiting, there’s a great corps of guys that we’ve been recruiting that could be special here sometime.
“So I love Nebraska. I’ve learned a ton from Coach Miles this year. But at the end of the day, just sometimes you feel like that next opportunity, that next step could be a little bit more up my alley.”
Though he only spent just over nine months in Lincoln, Beckner said he would always look back fondly on his time with the Huskers.
“I think you’re surrounded by great people here,” Beckner said. “Great kids, great people on the coaching staff and in the administration. To be honest, I’ve grown and learned a ton.
"I told Coach that the other day. I’ve really learned a lot from him and learned a lot from this program, and I really think it made me a better coach and more ready for that next step in my career.”