Q: Of course, the Hall-of-Fame coach from those three national championship teams (1994, 1995, 1997) that were part of the greatest five-year run in college football history (60-3 from 1993-97) is finishing his fourth year as Nebraska's athletic director. Do you mind sharing any personal experiences you may have had with Tom Osborne?
A: Sometimes, I almost have to take a second glance to realize I'm sitting there working with Tom Osborne. I mean, he is definitely a living legend in the collegiate sports world. It's funny. There are Big Ten coaching legends, but obviously you're also talking about a United States Congressman and a current athletic director in addition to a Hall-of-Fame head football coach. Tom is someone you just know is so respected. I saw him in meetings with our athletic directors. He carries himself with such dignity. He's just someone who when he communicates, it's valued. With all of these issues on the horizon, we know he's been there. We know he has a level head, and he's someone who can really evaluate the best way to go forward. With so many different ideas that can be contemplated and evaluated, he's just going to be a great resource for the conference. His knowledge and his experience as a head coach, a Congressman and an athletic director will bring so much interesting and relevant perspective to big decisions that need to be made. The Big Ten is a conference that is always trying to stay ahead of the game, and his will be a great voice in helping to make those decisions. He's very insightful and easily could have been a corporate executive if he had chosen to do so. I've definitely taken away several things already on my limited dealings with him. For me, it's a great benefit to be able to work with someone like him.
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