BTN.com staff, September 26, 2012

Nebraska Athletic Director Tom Osborne announced his plan to retire Jan. 1, 2013. At 75, Osborne will step down as athletic director. BTN is carrying this live on TV and on BTN2Go.

On Jan. 1, 2013, Osborne will become athletic director emeritus. He will continue to be actively involved in Athletic Department operations through July 30, 2013, according to the news release. Look back at our video archive of Osborne here.

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?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.?

Perlman has begun a search for Osborne?s replacement as director of intercollegiate athletics in order to have a new person in the position by 2013.

Read the full release here.

Osborne served as athletic director since Oct. 16, 2007. According to his bio on Huskers.com, Osborne accepted the position of athletic director because, as Osborne said, "Harvey Perlman asked me."

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As coach of the Nebraska football team from 1973 to 1997, Osborne went 255-49-3 with 13 conference championships and three national titles (1994, 1995, and 1997). In between those roles, Osborne served three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives from Nebraska?s 3rd congressional district from 2000 to 2006. He also made a gubernatorial bid in 2006.

Read his full profile at Huskers.com.

Nebraska's football team hosts Wisconsin on Saturday. Read the full preview here.