Nebraska Huskers fans just got hit with a double whammy, and honestly, this was not something they would expect in 2025. First, the volleyball superstar, Jordan Larson, resigned from her position of an assistant coach after two years, and the loss was significant for the program. “Following the season, Jordan Larson informed me that she has decided to move on from being part of our coaching staff,” head coach John Cook shared in a statement.

“While I am disappointed we won’t have her on staff anymore, I am thankful to Jordan for all that she has done for our program over these past two seasons,” he gratefully added.

Right when Huskers Nation was coming to terms with that revelation, another one hit them, and this one really hurt. What none of us thought could happen in Nebraska volleyball world, happened—this time, it was the head coach John Cook who shocked everyone with his retirement news.

Nebraska Volleyball sent shockwaves through Instagram on January 29, delivering the kind of news that no Huskers fan was ready for. They shared an emotional tribute to the legendary John Cook, featuring a powerful image of him and his NCAA championship trophy. The caption hit right in the feels: “What a ride it’s been. Thank you and farewell, Coach Cook.” And just like that, reality set in.

The man who turned Nebraska Volleyball into a powerhouse was officially stepping away, leaving fans drowning in a sea of emotions.

One heartbroken fan jumped into the comments with a simple yet powerful “Sobbing,” and we couldn’t agree more. John Cook didn’t just coach, he constructed something for which the word legendary would not be out of place. He took the Nebraska Volleyball team to win four national championships, 12 NCAA semifinal appearances and 14 conference championships.

And let’s not forget—no D1 volleyball coach this century has racked up more victories than him! Cook was not only a leader of a team, but he built a dynasty, a championship team, and a family that Husker Nation will always be grateful for. But this was just the beginning as many other users expressed their sadness!

Farewell John Cook!

Another fan summed up the shock perfectly: “I don’t recall it being April 1st.” And honestly? Same. It feels like some kind of prank (and we really wish it was). But as another user said, “Thank you for everything Coach! 🐐”—because, yes, John Cook is now retiring indeed. In his 32 years of coaching college teams, Cook spent seven years at Wisconsin and 25 legendary years at Nebraska before retiring. A career record of 883-176 places him among the legends, ranked fifth in Division I history. And at Nebraska? Oh, he built a dynasty. His 722-103 record makes the Huskers the most dominant DI program of the last 25 years with a winning percentage of .875.

One fan hilariously summed up the mood with, “RIP Louisville Volleyball (2017-2024) 🪦.” Wondering why? Buckle up—Dani Busboom Kelly is packing her bags and heading back home! Yep, Louisville volleyball’s powerhouse head coach is officially leaving to take the reins at Nebraska, filling the legendary shoes of John Cook. The Cardinals announced the big move on Wednesday, shaking up the volleyball world. In her eight seasons at Louisville, Busboom Kelly built an empire—two national runner-up finishes, three national semifinals appearances, and a jaw-dropping four ACC championships.

John Cook was not only a coach to his players, but friends, and a second family to many, including Harper Murray, his ultimate TikTok partner. But beyond the laughs, there was something deeper—Cook became a father figure in her life. After losing her dad, Vada Murray, to lung cancer in 2011, Harper found comfort and guidance in Cook’s presence. Her heartfelt words say it all: “He’s the closest thing I have to a father figure.” And one user captured it perfectly saying, “Poor @harpermurrayy she had such a great relationship with him! You will certainly be miss coach 😢❤️”

One fan could not resist and asked, “what about the contract extension through 2028??” The Huskers signed Cook to a new five-year contract back in May 2024 that would make him the team’s head coach through January 2029 with the addition of a $75,000 raise each year. It seemed like a done deal, right? But before the ink on that contract could even dry for a full year, Cook pulled the ultimate plot twist—retiring and leaving Husker Nation absolutely wrecked. Someone pass the tissues because we are not okay!