At a press conference in Lincoln today, Dr. Tom Osborne announced that effective January 1, 2013, he will retire as the athletic director at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Osborne said he will remain around in an unofficial capacity for six months following his retirement to help with the transition process for the new AD, who will be chosen by university chancellor Harvey Perlman.  Osborne served as the athletic director for the last five years. During his tenure he oversaw expansion of Memorial Stadium, the beginning of construction on Pinnacle Bank Arena, and the hiring of head football coach Bo Pelini and head men’s basketball coach Tim Miles.

“It has been a pleasure and an honor to work in the Athletic Department for the past five years,” Osborne said. “I hope that there have been some good things that have been accomplished during that time. I appreciate Chancellor Perlman giving me this opportunity. I’ve had the privilege of working with some outstanding people in the Athletic Department and have confidence that the trajectory of the Athletic Department is very good.”

“It’s been a privilege to work with Tom,” University of Nebraska-Lincoln 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. He has been instrumental in incorporating research facilities into the athletics complex that build on the department’s reputation for innovation. 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.”