Lincoln (Neb.) - Dec. 10, 1997 - University of Nebraska- Lincoln Chancellor James Moeser informed members of the Board of Regents today of Coach Tom Osborne's intention to retire. Moeser, who was meeting with engineering faculty in Omaha Wednesday afternoon and could not attend the South Stadium news conference with Coach Osborne, issued the following statement:
"I feel a personal sense of loss at Tom's decision to retire from coaching. His decision is understandable; nevertheless, it marks the end of what I believe to be the greatest coaching career in the history of collegiate football. While his unmatched record of success on the field is the most obvious indicator, the academic success of his players and the impact he has had on the personal lives of thousands of student-athletes are even more important.
"The number of academic All-Americans and the strong graduation rate of our football team, which is by far the highest in the Big 12 Conference, are tributes to his own personal commitment to academic excellence.
"Tom has expressed a desire to devote more time and energy after the first of the year to the fund-raising efforts for Love Library as part of Campaign Nebraska. This is another example of his commitment to academic excellence at the University of Nebraska.
"Tom is truly a great coach, but even more he is a person of great character. The Osborne legacy at Nebraska will be one of uncompromised excellence and integrity, a legacy that will effect the entire university.
"The strength of the Nebraska football program lies not only in Tom Osborne, but in the combined coaching staff. With the appointment of Coach Frank Solich as head coach, the culture of our football program will be maintained.
"I have every confidence that Coach Solich will continue not
only the winning tradition of Nebraska football, but the
unparalleled academic achievement and the unwavering integrity
that have become the national hallmark of this program."
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