Nebraska Chancellor Harvey Perlman and NU Athletic Director Tom Osborne have mutually agreed to extend Osborne's appointment as athletic director indefinitely. Originally, the agreement stated that Osborne would serve as athletic director until June, 2010. Perlman and Osborne now have agreed that they will review the position on an annual basis.
"Tom originally agreed to come in temporarily and get the department moving in the right direction. He clearly accomplished that," Perlman said. "I believe he now feels comfortable serving on an ongoing basis, and I certainly feel comfortable having him do so."
Perlman and Osborne also agreed that when a successor is to be chosen, it will be done through an open search process with a committee representing the athletic department, the university, and the external community.
"While I think an open process is required, Tom's advice and counsel will play an important role in the ultimate selection, as will the views of our head coaches," Perlman said. "It's appropriate to indicate now, publicly, that an open process will be adopted in light of the speculation that there may already be a designated successor.
"I am delighted that Tom has agreed to stay in harness for an indefinite period," Perlman said. "The department faces some real challenges and opportunities as we move forward, and Tom brings a breadth of experience that can serve the university well."
Osborne said: "I want to thank Chancellor Perlman for the opportunity to serve as athletic director for a period of time that we both feel comfortable with. I enjoy working with student-athletes, coaches, and other athletic department personnel and hope that together we can serve the people of Nebraska and the university well."
A Message from Tom Osborne about the new Huskers.com
