The Pelini comparisons are interesting, and I was thinking the same thing (from an outsider fan's perspective)
This may sound like sacrilege based on what happened later, but the vibe around the program reminds me of the winter/spring after Bo got hired. AT THAT TIME I remember campus was buzzing because the new coaches all seemed so cool, and came across like such a tight knit crew, especially in comparison to the more aloof regime that came before.
I never saw a member of the Callahan staff when I was a student, but I’d see Bo jogging on campus all the time, I’d see the staff eating together in the dining halls, stuff like that. Obviously that vibe didn’t last long haha but I definitely remember in the early days it was like “WHOA we got a bunch of younger energized guys here embracing everything about NU, bringing a new sense of camaraderie and accountability, and actually walking the walk!!” It felt great and super positive!
I feel the same way watching this staff handle themselves so far, just a total breath of fresh air of authenticity and grit, and it feels even better because we know that Rhule is 10x the leader that Bo ever was.