Osborne Fires Callahan as Nebraska Head Coach

Callahan posted a 27-22 record in four seasons at Nebraska.

Bill Callahan posted a 27-22 record in four seasons at Nebraska.

LINCOLN, Neb. - University of Nebraska Interim Athletic Director Tom Osborne announced changes in the football coaching staff today.

The contract for NU Head Football Coach Bill Callahan has been terminated and all nine Husker assistant coaches’ contracts also were terminated.

Osborne said that he would begin a national search for a new head coach immediately.

“I have evaluated the program diligently over the past several weeks, and I feel compelled to take action at this time,” said Osborne, who met with Callahan and his assistants Saturday morning at the Nebraska football complex.

“Our five-game losing streak certainly was a factor, but even more important was the number of games where we were not competitive,” Osborne said. “At Nebraska, we always expect to compete at a very high level, and those expectations have not changed.

“While we conduct the search for a new head coach, I have asked all assistant coaches who would like to help in the transition to stay on staff and help with recruiting,” Osborne said. “I appreciate the knowledge and dedication of the coaching staff. These times have been stressful on everyone, and I thank all of our coaches for their professionalism and their commitment to our program.”

Nebraska’s assistant coaches include: Bill Busch, safeties and special teams coordinator; Kevin Cosgrove, defensive coordinator and linebackers; Phil Elmassian, cornerbacks; Ted Gilmore, receivers and recruiting coordinator; Randy Jordan, running backs; Joe Rudolph, tight ends; Dennis Wagner, offensive line; Shawn Watson, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks; and Buddy Wyatt, defensive line.

“Coaches who would like to be considered for employment on the next staff will stay on and recruit,” Osborne said. “Regardless of their decision, we will honor all terms of their current contracts. We will also honor all terms of Coach Callahan’s contract.”

The contracts for Nebraska’s assistant coaches are tied directly to the head coach and automatically ended when Callahan’s contract ended.

Osborne called Callahan a seasoned coach and a hard worker. “I wish him well in the future,” he said. “He gave this program his best effort, but I believe we need to go in a different direction. I know this is not an easy place to be a head football coach.”

Osborne said he didn’t know how long the search for Callahan’s successor will take, but he will move as quickly as possible. “Our goal is to find the best possible coach and the best possible fit for Nebraska,” he said.

Callahan posted a 27-22 record in four seasons at Nebraska.

Source: University of Nebraska Athletics

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