Seeking Glory Days, Osborne Named Interim AD at Nebraska

Tom Osborne ended his head-coaching career with a record of 255-49-3.

Chancellor Harvey Perlman announced Tuesday that Tom Osborne will serve as Interim Athletic Director at Nebraska. Photo courtesy: Scott Bruhn/NU Media Relations

LINCOLN, Neb. - In a new development in leadership changes in the athletic department at the University of Nebraska, Chancellor Harvey Perlman on Tuesday announced Tom Osborne has agreed to serve as athletic director on an interim basis.

Osborne left his head coaching post at Nebraska in 1997 after 30 years coaching football, including leading the Nebraska Cornhuskers to three national championships, 12 Big Eight titles and one Big 12 title. Osborne's teams finished in the top 10 17 times. He ended his head-coaching career with a record of 255-49-3.

Since Osborne left his post as Third district Congressman following a gubernatorial bid in 2006 he has been a senior lecturer in the UNL College of Business Administration, teaching leadership and business ethics.

Osborne met with Perlman this morning to discuss the interim post and Osborne agreed to serve, on an open-ended arrangement, until Perlman finds a permanent athletic director. Perlman on Oct. 15 fired Steve Pederson, who had held the AD post since 2002.

Osborne said he looks forward to the challenge.

"I've spent the majority of my life working with the Athletic Department at the university and I want to do what I can at this point to continue in the pursuit of excellence that has been previously established," he said today.

Osborne said he anticipated taking over duties right away and would also finish the semester teaching his two classes, which he enjoys.

Chancellor Perlman said he is pleased that Osborne agreed to provide leadership and that the university will benefit from Osborne's vast experience.

"I am very pleased that Tom Osborne has agreed to help bring some leadership and direction to our Athletic program. Tom is committed to making the entire program successful. He brings the right experience, an understanding of Nebraska, and our aspirations. I look forward to working with him."

Source: University of Nebraska Athletics

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