Osborne to be Huskers' permanent AD
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December 19, 2007 by
After an extensive search for a new Athletic Director, Interim AD Tom Osborne has found the best man for the job. Himself.
UNL Chancellor Harvey Perlman just announced that "interim" has been removed from Osborne's title. Osborne will serve as Nebraska's AD until June 30, 2010.
Continue reading for more details and the full press release.
Official Press Release from Husker Athletic Department
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Chancellor Harvey Perlman today announced that the "interim" has been removed from Tom Osborne's title, and Osborne has agreed to serve as Nebraska's Director of Intercollegiate Athletics until June 30, 2010.
"I appreciated Tom's willingness to step in as interim athletic director during a very difficult time for the athletic department," Perlman said. "His presence and his decisions have significantly reduced the controversy surrounding the department and particularly the football program."
The decision to ask Osborne to serve as NU's permanent athletic director is based on timing.
"It is now beneficial to provide the department with stability in leadership, so it can take full advantage of the progress that already has been made," Perlman said.
"I don't think conducting a search for a permanent athletic director would serve the university's interests at this time," added Perlman. "That's why I offered Tom the opportunity to remove 'interim' from his title and invited him to accept an appointment as athletic director for a term of approximately 2 1/2 years until June 30, 2010."
Perlman and Osborne agreed that a search for Osborne's successor will begin in early 2010 with the intention that Osborne will both assist in the search and help with the transition of a new athletic director.
Osborne, 70, accepted Perlman's offer to direct the department on an ongoing basis and will continue to work as athletic director under the same terms of his original contract, signed on Oct. 24. Perlman and Osborne finalized the new agreement Tuesday.
"When Chancellor Perlman asked me to lead the athletic department and to help unify the state, he gave me the responsibility and the authority to do whatever needed to be done," Osborne said. "We've made some great strides over the last two months, but the chancellor and I agree that these next two years are crucial to keep our program moving forward.
"I have never been enamored with titles," Osborne said. "At the same time, I think it's important for our entire department to realize that we will continue moving down the same path we're already going. Change always breeds at least some uncertainty, and if removing 'interim' from my title helps everyone understand that we'll continue to be consistent in our approach, I'm all for that.
"Everyone associated with the program - coaches, student-athletes, administrators, fans and alumni - want what's best for Nebraska," Osborne said.
"My focus is on working together and giving our best, so the athletic department can continue to improve in every way possible."
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Mizzou Tiger Dec 19 07
It's going to be a tough 3 years for Dr. Tom. Nebraska, no matter how you slice it is in the middle of the pack in the Big 12...other than their bowling, rifle, and volleyball, they're average....I think I would have gotten out...his legacy is on the line....too bad.
kyle Dec 19 07
Just because mizzou wins the north one year doesn't mean that the big 12 is changed. Power houses go through down times but mizzou wouldn't know about that would they? how many national champions? how many conference titles? Once you guys win a title, anything conference or national you cant talk.
And you guys took your shot at Nebraska this year but when Nebraska get back dont think we will forget about this year.
I love that TO is taking over its really the best thing for Nebraska right now because he will bring all the old people back bring back some tradition.
The Count Dec 19 07
Is there anyway to keep ignorant Missouri fans from spamming the blog? I mean he could have posted this once and we would have gotten the point.
Mizzou Tiger Dec 19 07
To the count:
It was meant to assist in sinking in...."N" isn't for knowledge....we know you guys are a little sssslllllloooooowwwwwwwwwww!!!!!
Greg Morrow Dec 19 07
To the brave little "tiger".
Must've tasted great, seeing Kansas get the Orange Bowl bid, huh!
As for knowledge, do both your eyes even line up right?!
Andrew Dec 19 07
Why are all these recruits leaving. We went from a top 10 class to 35.
scott Dec 19 07
Hey Mizzou Tiger..
At least Dr. Tom has a legacy. As of right now Missouri is a one-year wonder. Win some titles and then come back and talk some smack. You think his legacy will be tarnished.....wait and see, my friend, wait and see.
bnahusker Dec 20 07
Being a Husker Fan in SW Missouri hasn't been easy this year, but I have found solice in knowing that I could visit this site, and not have to listen to the Mizzou Onetimers ragging on me. Now this! I think that it is telling that when MU wins, they are all over the front page, and when they lose, the story is on page 5. Most of these Bandwaggoners love to latch on to a winner, but couldn't care less about about the program the other 99 years of the century. Hint to Mizzou: You will never be truly regarded as Big Time as long as your football program has to run ticket specials for a 50,000 seat house of horrors, the week of a conference game! Dr. Tom will steer the Power of Red back into the waters of success, and do things the "Nebraska Way". Do things right, and the winning will follow.
Merry Christmas to all, (Yes, I used the :C: word!) and Go Big Red!