The Huskers were likely going to have to open up the bank more than they have before to get the person they wanted. So they did.

Going by data obtained by USA Today last year, Diaco's salary would rank 23rd nationally among college football assistants, although there are about 20 schools that are exempt from releasing figures.

The only known coordinators in the Big Ten who made more in 2016 than Diaco will make this year come from Michigan. The Wolverines' defensive coordinator, Don Brown, made $880,000, while offensive coordinator Tim Drevno brought in $850,000.

Last year at UConn, Diaco signed a two-year extension through the year 2020. According to that contract, he was set to make about $1.8 million in 2017 with the Huskies. He was reportedly owed a buyout of $3.4 million by UConn after he was let go in late December.

NU is banking on Diaco having the type of successes his defenses had before the UConn experience.

The Irish gave up an average of 19.1 points a game during the four years he coached them. That was the ninth-best average among FBS teams during that time.

He had some good working talent there in South Bend, mind you.