LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska athletic director Shawn Eichorst says the football program is stable under coach Bo Pelini.

In a 45-minute interview Wednesday with The Associated Press and reporters from the state’s two largest newspapers, Eichorst said the program is “stable” and the Huskers have a “seasoned coach who has won a bunch of games.”

Last season, a secretly recorded audio of Pelini criticizing fans went public. He also nearly struck a sideline official with his cap during a loss to Iowa. Nebraska finished 9-4 after a bowl win over Georgia.

Eichorst says he wants his coaches to represent the university with “honor and distinction,” to provide athletes with a good experience and compete for championships.

Eichorst says Pelini meets those goals.