Marcus Satterfield didn’t need to stay but he did anyway

Marcus Satterfield didn’t need to stay at Nebraska. He did anyway.

Photo courtesy Nebraska Athletics

Marcus Satterfield didn’t need to stay at Nebraska.

Following a change in offensive leadership last fall, the former offensive coordinator was reassigned to coach the Huskers’ tight ends. It was a move that — in most programs at least — might result in a staff departure. Satterfield didn’t leave though. He returned for spring ball with a new role and, by all appearances, a new outlook.

“What happened to me is no different than a player getting benched,” he said Tuesday. “There’s no difference.”

Satterfield’s choice to stay wasn’t simply a matter of loyalty or circumstance. It was about being part of a coaching staff he still believes in and a program still working toward something bigger. 

Perhaps most importantly, he stayed because of the message Nebraska’s coaches tell their players every day: respond to adversity by showing up.

“I want to be a part of it. I want to finish what we started,” Satterfield said. “I thought it would be a great example for our guys to see that when you go through hard stuff, practice what you preach and just keep coming to work and giving it your best every single day.”

Satterfield’s comments came after Nebraska’s eighth spring practice, where he met with the media alongside linebackers coach Rob Dvoracek, tight end Heinrich Haarberg and linebacker Willis McGahee IV.