There aren't too many AD's in major college athletics that are 75 years old, then again not too many AD's in this country have been National Championship football coaches, members of congress, and been around their universities for most of the last 40 years or so. Earlier today Tom Osborne announced his retirement from the role of athletics director, effective on Jan. 1, 2013.
As for why now? Perception became reality according to Osborne, who began his love affair with Nebraska athletics when he became a graduate assistant in 1962.
"At some point, whether you're able to function or not, the perception that you are getting old can get in the way," said Osborne.
Tom Osborne is all that was described earlier and so much more. His legacy takes more than just this article to name, but he's won 3 National Championships (1994, 1995, 1997) for Nebraska football and oversaw one of the biggest sea changes in college athletics as the Huskers left the Big 12, a conference they helped to form, for the Big Ten. That move alone has had ramifications felt by nearly every fan of every team in college football today.
He's overseen huge facilities improvements and made the athletic department as a whole one of the most respected programs in the country. They are solid in nearly ever single sport they compete in and they have one of the biggest and best financial backings in the country.
Tom Osborne is simply a legend in his time, but for more on his retirement check out our sister site Delany's Dozen and their coverage. They will have much more on his life, legacy and where Nebraska goes from here throughout the day.
