Nebraska AD publicly backs Bo Pelini

For those looking for a change at head coach in Nebraska, it appears you’re going to be sorely disappointed.

Following an embarrassing home loss to Iowa that included a penalty for nearly hitting an official with his hat and a postgame press conference in which he seemingly dared his bosses to fire him, Bo Pelini‘s future as the Cornhuskers head coach was very much up in the air. That is, up in the air until late Saturday morning.

In a statement sent out by the university, athletic director Shawn Eichorst acknowledged the speculation swirling around his football coach but stated very firmly that Pelini will remain in the same position he’s held for the past six seasons.

“My approach has always been to not comment publicly about our coaches until their full seasons are complete, as I strongly believe it is unfair and counter to best practices. However, given the volume of unfounded speculation and conjecture about our head football coach, I want to reaffirm what I have said many times since I have arrived at the University of Nebraska -- that I positively respect, appreciate and support our football student-athletes, coaches and staff, as we do everyone in the Husker family. We very much look forward to our upcoming bowl game and Coach Pelini continuing to lead our program in the future.”

So, there you have it. Barring something unexpected, or a change in heart by the administration, Pelini will return for a seventh season in 2014.