Pelini was the defensive coordinator for Nebraska under Frank Solich before moving to LSU.

The Sporting News said Pelini was picked over a list of candidates that included Buffalo Coach Turner Gill and Wake Forest Coach Jim Grobe. Pelini is expected to be with LSU when the team plays Tennessee for the SEC championship in Atlanta Saturday, and then will be introduced at Nebraska next week.

The Nebraska job opened up when Bill Callahan was dismissed this month after putting together a 27-22 record in four seasons.