Nebraska athletic director Steve Pederson fired after Cornhuskers loss

On Monday the University of Nebraska fired athletic director Steve Pederson after back-to-back losses by the Cornhuskers.

Nebraska athletic director Steve Pederson fired after Cornhuskers loss The University of Nebraska announced today the dismissal of the athletic director Steve Pederson, as a result of the recent poor performance by the university's football team, the Nebraska Cornhuskers (4-3), in the Big 12 Conference. According to a press release by the school, Steve Pederson, who just signed a five-year extension contract in July, was asked by Chancellor Harvey Perlman to step down from the position. The last drop was the 45-14 loss at home against Oklahoma State last Saturday, making it the worst home defeat of the Cornhuskers since 1958.

"We are, of course, disappointed about the progress in our football program. Steve has done many positive things for Husker athletics during his tenure, but I think only new leadership can objectively assess the state of our program and make the decisions necessary to move us forward," was the official statement by Chancellor Harvey Perlman. The Chancellor will name a temporary athletic director and begin a national search for a permanent replacement of the failed Pederson. Rumors are already circulating that former coach Tom Osborne will be offered the temporary position.

Steve Pederson and head coach Bill Callahan have been the two most criticized people for the current state of Nebraska football. At this tie there is no word on the status of coach Callahan, but many continue to call for his immediate resignation or dismissal, as well.

Following the news that Steve Pederson has been fired, the online sportsbook Bookmaker has begun revising the betting odds on the Huskers for their next game against Texas A&M on Saturday in Nebraska. The point spread on the Texas A&M vs. Nebraska, however, still favors the Cornhuskers -1.5 points.

Published on 10/15/2007