By now, it’s no secret—legendary coach John Cook has stepped away from the sidelines, leaving behind a legacy that’s bigger than just the Huskers. His impact runs deep, shaping the volleyball world and inspiring generations of athletes and fans alike. But let’s face it: everyone has been asking the question ‘what will happen next to the volleyball great’? Well, hold that thought, because Cook just dropped some fresh updates!

In a recent report by Husker Extra from February 17th, the legendary coach spilled the beans on his post-coaching plans, and let’s just say, he’s not straying too far from the court. “If they want me there, I want to go to the Ord (spring volleyball) match. It was kind of my baby. And the AVCA Showcase (next fall). They want me back for that. I’ll come back for some Big Ten games. Here and there. Hopefully, it will time up for when Troy wants me to do stuff. If they ask for help, I’m there.”

It seems that Cook is not really out of the picture yet and is just waiting for the right moment for Nebraska to call on his volleyball prowess. And if he is not present at the Big Ten battles, he is at the AVCA Showcase–he is not going to vanish from the world of volleyball. A legend like him? Well, come on, who would not want such a person around?

And let’s be honest, Ord, Nebraska, is not just another place for John Cook. It’s home. Only last month he went there to talk to the local authorities to bring the Huskers’ spring match to their town of 2000 people. But that wasn’t all. He also visited Grandview, an assisted living home, to meet residents who dressed in Husker red to share with him their experience of playing volleyball in the Sandhills in the 1950s.

As he was walking out, a man whom had been relatively silent throughout the event approached him and, with a smirk on his face, asked the question about who’s Nebraska’s next coach. Cook was as slick as always, merely stating that it was up to the athletic department. But the man? He didn’t hesitate. “It’s going to be the Louisville girl.” And just like that, the transition to Dani Busboom Kelly was destined to happen before the actual announcement was made.

And Cook also knows exactly what she’s capable of. “She’s been in one of the greatest turnarounds in the history of college volleyball,” he said, taking confidence in the fact that Nebraska’s future is secure. But even with that confidence, nothing quite prepared him for his final press conference. In an emotional state, he started his speech with a quote from Neil Young: “It’s better to burn out than fade away.” And Cook? He burned bright until his very last moment on that podium. But coming back to John Cook and his post retirement plans, there’s another update too!

John Cook’s post retirement gets revealed!

John Cook might not be calling plays from the sidelines anymore, but Nebraska isn’t about to let a legend walk away. Hail Varsity spilled the tea in early February—Cook is staying in Lincoln with a fresh role, and Troy Dannen made it clear that his leadership is too valuable to lose. “We need that. We need that for our student-athletes, and not just the volleyball team,” Dannen said.

But he’s not just sticking around for the athletic department—he’s got his former player Dani Busboom Kelly’s back, too. “Whenever Dani asks for me, I’m there,” Cook confirmed. He’ll be that steady presence, making sure the transition is smooth and Nebraska volleyball keeps soaring. And, of course, he couldn’t resist cracking a joke: “If they need me to coach linebackers, I’ll do that.” Classic Cook.

Looking back, even he’s amazed at what Nebraska volleyball has become. In 2000, the idea of traveling outside the U.S. was a stretch, but then he casually threw out “China”—and, well, they made it happen. “I could never imagine the impact that Nebraska volleyball’s had,” he admitted. Safe to say, they didn’t just make an impact—they built an empire.