Hardy Nickerson puts in some long days as Illinois' defensive coordinator. But at least he doesn't have to stay awake until 3 a.m. any more just to talk to his son.
The past two seasons were rough on the Nickerson men, who share a first name and a close bond. The elder Nickerson worked as the linebackers coach for the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while the younger one played linebacker all the way across the country at Cal. Dad's job only allowed him to make one, maybe two of his son's games in person each year.