Nebraska wasted little time in their search for new football coach, hiring Oregon State's Mike Riley on Thursday in a surprise announcement.
The news came on the same day that Florida named Colorado State's Jim McElwainas its new coach. The school will introduce Riley on Friday at a news conference inMemorial Stadium.
Nebraska fired Bo Pelini on Sunday after seven seasons leading the program. He guided the Cornhuskers to a 9-3 regular-season record in 2014 and a postseason berth to a destination yet to be determined.
According to a report by NFL.com's Gil Brandt, Arkansas coach Bret Bielema was offered the Nebraska job on Wednesday but decided to remain with the Razorbacks.
Riley will start work immediately with the Cornhuskers but will not be involved in their bowl preparations. Barney Cotton, one of Pelini's assistants, will coach Nebraska in the bowl game.
ADVERTISEMENT
"It is truly an honor to join the University of Nebraska family," Riley said in a statement. "Though we love Corvallis and Oregon State, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to coach at one of the nation's most storied football programs and I can't wait to get started.
"My sincere thanks to Chancellor (Harvey) Perlman and (athletic director) Shawn Eichorst for their confidence in me and I look forward to becoming a part of theNebraska family and building upon the great history and tradition."
Riley has been at Oregon State since the 2003 season and has a 93-80 overall record as a college coach. He also served as Oregon State's coach in 1997-98 before leaving for the San Diego Chargers and the New Orleans Saints and then returning to Corvallis.
Riley's name had not been mentioned as a possible successor to Pelini before Eichorst announced his choice.
"There was one coach who fit all the characteristics that I was seeking to lead our tradition-rich football program," Eichorst said. "Mike Riley has a proven record of success, a sound approach to football and teaching, an understanding of the educational mission of our university and the integrity and values that we cherish atNebraska.
"I have no doubt that Mike will assemble a tremendous staff and lead our student-athletes to win Big Ten titles and compete for national championships in the years ahead."
Oregon State finished the 2014 season with a 5-7 overall record and a 2-7 mark in the Pac-12.
