By most accounts, it was a shock Pelini was let go -- had winning records, bowl appearances, strong recruiting; but what ultimately led to his termination when the program seemed on the right long-term path? Was it Osborne who had the final say or as simple a decision as just not enough progress toward Nebraska's expectations?
Husker Mike: Osborne had absolutely no say; in fact, he cast a wee bit of shade on the decision. Osborne retired as athletic director in 2013. To me, the decision by the new athletic director to dismiss Pelini was based on two things: getting embarrassed by Wisconsin and getting terse with the news media.