Posted by patrick on October 16, 2007
Just one day after firing Steve Pederson, Chancellor Harvey Perlman has brought back Tom Osborne as interim Athletic Director for the University of Nebraska.
My girlfriend is pushing a conspiracy saying Osborne had full knowledge of Perlman’s decision to fire Pederson before it was announced. In fact, she’s even thinking Osborne may have had something to do with Pederson being shown the door to eventually be “chosen” as the AD.
I’m not buying it, at least not the latter. Although it wouldn’t surprise me if Perlman reached out to Osborne sometime prior to Pederson being fired, I don’t think TO would have a hand in pressuring a firing.
What do you think?
Posted by patrick on October 15, 2007
Nebraska Chancellor Harvey Perlman fired Athletic Director Steve Pederson after the Cornhuskers suffered their worst home loss in 49 years to Oklahoma State 45-14 (Press Release). I can’t remember a time in college athletics when an AD was fired during the middle of the season and not the coach, so this has to be a first. Pederson was responsible for the firing of former coach Frank Solich after a 9-3 record in 2003 and the hiring of current head football coach Bill Callahan, who has gone 26-18 and 14-13 in Big 12 conference games. In addition, Pederson extended Callahan’s contract through June 2013.
Not sure what to make of all of this. Pederson doesn’t have much to do with the makeup of this football team, nor does he do any coaching. But, he’s alienated fans, boosters, and former players to such a degree he’s the most hated man in the State of Nebraska.
This should make for an interesting next few weeks/months speculating who the interim AD will be. Tom Osborne is the fan favorite, but will he take on this role? Let us know what you think!
