Nebraska hires Mike Riley as its next football coach

The University of Nebraska announced Thursday morning that it has hired Mike Riley to replace Bo Pelini as its head coach.

Riley comes to Nebraska after 14 seasons during two stints as the head coach at Oregon State. In his time in Corvalis, he turned the Beavers from an also-ran into a legitimate contender in the Pac-12. Riley was 93-79 at Oregon State and was 6-2 in bowl games. The Beavers finished 5-7 this season and are missing a bowl game for the first time since 2011.

“There was one coach who fit all the characteristics that I was seeking to lead our tradition-rich football program," Nebraska athletic director Shawn Eichorst said in a press release. "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 at Nebraska. 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.”

Riley will assume his duties with Nebraska immediately, but will not coach the Huskers in their bowl game. Interim coach Barney Cotton will coach the team through the bowl.

Riley officially will be announced during a press conference on Friday morning.

For more Nebraska news, visit HuskerOnline.com.

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