Osborne retiring as Nebraska A.D.

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LINCOLN, Neb., Sept. 26 (UPI) -- Tom Osborne, who gained fame as the highly successful football coach at Nebraska, said Wednesday he will retire as athletic director Jan. 1.

"It has been a pleasure and an honor to work in the athletic department for the past five years," Osborne, 75, said. "I hope that there have been some good things that have been accomplished during that time."

After Jan. 1, Osborne will become athletic director emeritus and will stay involved in the department's operations through July 30.

"It's been a privilege to work with Tom," Nebraska Chancellor Harvey Perlman said. "The move into the Big Ten could not have happened without Tom's support.

"He has made the facilities stronger and has expanded the department's role in assisting students through the student life center.

"The university and the state of Nebraska are in his debt for the many contributions he has made to both over the course of his career."

Osborne was the Cornhuskers' football coach from 1973 to 1997, winning national championships in 1994, 1995 and 1997 en route to a 255-49-3 career record.

He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1998.

Osborne also served three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, beginning in 2000.