[Husker] Press Release on Osborne

[Mike Nolan]

 Lincoln, Neb., -- Oct. 16, 2007 --  In a new development in leadership 
 changes in the athletic department at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 
 today Chancellor Harvey Perlman 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 commited 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."