I'm taking Erstad at his word that frequent fan criticism, mostly via social media, had nothing to do with his decision to retire from coaching, a stunning move that the 44-year-old Husker legend announced Monday.
I believe him when he says that because Erstad doesn't mess around with the truth. He's an old-school straight-shooter. Granted, it's possible I'm being naive. Maybe he heard all the negative chatter this season and essentially said screw it all. I sincerely hope that's not the case -- that a vocal minority played any role at all in driving out an excellent coach and high-grade individual who puts his family above all.