University of Nebraska Athletic Director Tom Osborne, the legendary national title winning college football coach with the Cornhuskers is stepping down. And what a career he’s had before he retires. From the football field to the administrative offices to the political realm, Osborne was a success and a Big Ten icon every step of the way.
From the L.A. Times:
“At some point, whether you’re able to function or not, just the perception that you’re getting old can get in the way,” Osborne, 75, said. “I don’t want to be one of those guys everybody is walking around wringing their hands trying to figure out what are we going to do with him? That happens sometimes.”
Osborne, who had double-bypass heart surgery in 1985, said he has no health issues that led to his decision.
“I’m probably healthier today than when I was a member of Congress. That takes a big toll on you,” he said.
Osborne was a member of the House of Representatives from 2000 to 2006 and lost to incumbent Dave Heineman in the 2006 Republican gubernatorial primary.
Here’s a statement from Osborne’s former conference rival, Wisconsin Badgers A.D. Barry Alvarez on Osborne’s stepping down:
Tom Osborne has been a steady and stabilizing presence as athletic director at Nebraska since he moved into the position five years ago. Everyone knows about Tom’s football coaching legacy, but he has really helped guide Nebraska through some significant challenges in recent years and he was, obviously, a key figure in the school’s transition to the Big Ten. His departure is a loss for college athletics and the Big Ten, but I wish Tom well in his retirement. He’s earned it.
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