Lincoln, Neb. - Nebraska has fired head football coach Bo Pelini after seven seasons with the program.
Pelini went 67-27 during his tenure with the Cornhuskers, and won at least 9 games in each season at the school, the latter mark being the second longest streak in the nation behind Oregon.
Athletic director Shawn Eichorst released a statement Sunday, explaining the decision:
"Earlier this morning, I informed coach Bo Pelini of our decision to move forward in a new direction. Coach Pelini served our university admirably for seven years and led our football program's transition to the Big Ten Conference. We wish Coach Pelini and his wonderful family all the best and thank him for his dedicated service to the university."
The Youngstown, Ohio, native led Nebraska to three Big Ten Championship games, though lost all three, and when the Huskers were members of the Big 12, led the team to two more conference-title games, losing to Texas and Oklahoma in succession.
Nebraska finished the season with a 37-34 overtime victory against Iowa, though after an 8-1 start suffered defeats to Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Nebraska quarterback Tommy Armstrong, Jr. did not agree with the decision, and took to social media to express himself.
"Biggest mistake you ever made. . ." Armstrong said via Twitter. "Bo was the best coach I've ever had and I'll always appreciate the things you taught me."
Pelini served as an assistant at LSU (2005-07), Oklahoma (2004), and Nebraska (2003), also serving as the latter's interim head coach for their bowl victory over Michigan State that season.
Nebraska under Coach Pelini, 46, went 8-17 against AP-ranked teams, recorded no BCS Bowl appearances, lost at least 3 games in each season, and went 3-4 in their last seven November contests.
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