It was a cold December afternoon, with the chill of winter creeping through the Nebraska sky, when Scott Frost found himself in an unlikely meeting. The former head coach, now in a quieter chapter of his life after his tumultuous tenure with the Cornhuskers, had moved on from the pressure of being on the sidelines. He’d spent the past few months reflecting on the failures, successes, and missed opportunities during his time in Lincoln. But as fate often has a way of turning the page, it seemed Frost was about to play a role in the future of Nebraska football, one he hadn’t expected.
It started with a phone call from Trev Alberts, Nebraska’s athletic director. The conversation was terse at first, an exchange of pleasantries that only touched the surface of the situation. But soon, the real reason for the call came into focus. Nebraska’s defensive backfield was in desperate need of revitalization. The Cornhuskers had struggled for years with inconsistency and poor play at the cornerback and safety positions, and after a lackluster season, it was clear that a change had to be made. They needed someone who could inspire, someone who could not only teach technique but instill the pride and grit that had once defined Nebraska’s defense.
“Scott, I need your help,” Alberts said, his voice calm but urgent. “We’re looking at a few candidates for the DB coaching position, but we need someone with a vision—someone who knows what it means to be a Cornhusker, and frankly, someone who understands what it takes to win here. You’ve got relationships, you’ve got the respect of the players. I want you to help us with this.”
Frost had never envisioned being involved in hiring decisions after his departure. But as the conversation unfolded, he realized the magnitude of the opportunity before him. Nebraska football was at a crossroads, and while Frost’s own chapter had been filled with ups and downs, he knew how much this program meant to the people of Nebraska. His name still carried weight in the state—albeit, not the same reverence it once had. But in that moment, he knew that this could be a chance to help the program in a way that didn’t involve taking the head coach’s job or stepping back into the pressure-cooker of game day.
After a series of deliberations and conversations with key figures in Nebraska’s football community, Frost found himself sitting across from the man who would become Nebraska’s new defensive backs coach. It was a name few saw coming—Javon DeWitt, a former assistant coach who had been with Frost at UCF. But what stood out about DeWitt wasn’t just his connection to Frost; it was his sharp, tactical mind and ability to connect with players on a personal level. DeWitt had spent time coaching linebackers but had developed a keen understanding of the intricacies of defensive back play during his career.
Frost’s influence had a ripple effect. It wasn’t just about the technicalities of defense, but about understanding the culture of Nebraska football—the work ethic, the pride, and the legacy that demanded success. He spoke with passion to Alberts, explaining that the new hire had to embrace Nebraska’s ethos. They needed someone who wasn’t just a coach but a mentor, someone who could cultivate a relentless mentality in a unit that had been on the decline.
“I know Javon better than anyone,” Frost had said during the meeting. “He’s got the grit and toughness this defense needs. The players will respect him, and he’s the kind of coach who can build a culture, not just teach plays. He’ll make them want to fight for each other. That’s what Nebraska needs.”
DeWitt’s appointment was a game-changer, and as soon as he stepped into the role, it was clear that Frost’s involvement had played a pivotal role. Nebraska’s defensive backs, once known for being soft and undisciplined, quickly adopted a new mindset. They were hungry, focused, and above all, united. And while Frost wasn’t on the sidelines coaching, his imprint on Nebraska’s future was undeniable. In the end, it wasn’t just a hire—it was the beginning of a new era.