LINCOLN, Neb., Dec. 20 (UPI) -- Steve Pederson, the athletic director at Pittsburgh the last six years, Friday took a similar post at Nebraska.
Pederson, 45, returns to his alma mater and replaces Bill Byrne, who left to become athletic director at Texas A&M.
"There are a few very special places in the world of college athletics," Pederson said. "The University of Nebraska is at the top of that list."
During his tenure at Pittsburgh, Pederson oversaw the development of the Petersen Events Center, a state-of-the-art college basketball facility. He also hired football coach Walt Harris, men's basketball coach Ben Howland, and women's basketball coach Traci Waites.
"It is clear to me that Steve Pederson is the right choice for this position and we are pleased to have him back at Nebraska in a new role," said Nebraska Chancellor Harvey Perlman.
Before going to Pittsburgh, Pederson was associate athletic director at Nebraska from 1994-96, serving as Director of Football Operations. He returns to a football program that has endured a disappointing 7-6 season under Coach Frank Solich entering next week's Independence Bowl against Mississippi.
Pederson also had stints as a football recruiting coordinator at Ohio State and Tennessee.
