All joking aside, this program would have had more success and be in a better spot had he stayed HC for a few more years.
The spread offense being popularized and Pelini being the DC (and only the DC) would have made Solich successful.
I mean look at what he was doing at Ohio, that wasn’t a bunch of small town white boys running 32 trap. He adapted, he sure as shit would have adapted at Nebraska and with what probably would have been a legit defense. (Young pelini, only DC duties, pre-social media/pre hot take media so not as much of a fish bowl, etc)
At worst the decline would have been more gradual and the handoffs of power more unanimously agreed upon. (less in fighting, less drama, less unnecessary losing)