LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – Four-time national champion and longtime Nebraska Volleyball Head Coach John Cook announced his retirement Wednesday after 25 years leading the Huskers.
The decision comes after he signed a five-year contract in May 2024, which was set to run through Jan. 31, 2029, with an annual salary of $825,000.
Just minutes after the announcement, Nebraska alum Dani Busboom Kelly was named the team’s new head coach. She’s spent the last eight years at Louisville.
Cook, who has won more matches than any Division I volleyball coach this century, compiled an 883-176 career record, including 722-103 at Nebraska. He led the Huskers to four national titles, 12 NCAA Semifinals, 14 conference championships, and the longest sellout streak in NCAA women’s athletics history.
Nebraska Athletic Director Troy Dannen called Cook “one of the greatest coaches in college athletics history,” crediting him for elevating an already storied program.
Under Cook, Nebraska volleyball grew into a national powerhouse, setting attendance records, producing five Olympians, and consistently leading the nation in fan support. In 2023, his team played before 92,003 fans at Memorial Stadium for “Volleyball Day in Nebraska”, the largest crowd ever for a women’s sporting event.
A three-time AVCA National Coach of the Year and AVCA Hall of Fame inductee, Cook leaves behind a lasting legacy.
Cook and his wife, Wendy, are the parents of two children, Lauren and Taylor. Cook has one granddaughter, Madden.
John Cook will address the media in a press conference on Thursday at 10 a.m. which will be carried live on 1011now.com and our 1011 NOW app.
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