Osborne Name Interim AD

via OWH.

As widely expected and anticipated, former Head Coach and Nebraska Congressman Tom Osborne has been named interim athletic director for the University of Nebraska. The arrangement is "open ended" until UNL Chancellor Harvey Perlman finds a permanent AD for the athletic program. Rumor on some of the boards is that Dave Rimington might still be in the running for the permanent position, but my take is that it is probably wishful thinking.

"He may be the only figure who can unite a state divided over Pederson's firing of Osborne's coaching successor, the transition to a new regime, on-field disappointments, Pederson's own firing, and questions over what should happen with the current coaching staff.

Osborne has been a fan favorite for the job — many even wanting him to take it on a permanent basis.

Since Osborne's retirement in 1997 at the end of a remarkable 60-3 run that produced three national titles in four years, both Osborne and the football program have had their share of ups and downs.

Osborne, who had retired for health reasons and to spend more time with his family, initially missed the game sorely and on more than one occasion was nearly lured out of retirement by other schools.

He found a new life in politics, elected three times as a Republican congressman from western Nebraska's 3rd District.

But in 2006, he sought to finish off his public career with a run for Nebraska governor. Challenging incumbent Gov. Dave Heineman, he lost in the GOP primary, effectively ending his political career."

Great news and perhaps the only man alive who could rally the state back around the program. Hopefully the media circus will die down a bit in the coming days and the coaches can focus on getting the team prepared for A & M on Saturday.