Osborne returns as interim AD

LINCOLN, Neb. -- The future of Nebraska football is in the hands of its patriarch.

Hall of Fame coach Tom Osborne returned to Nebraska on Tuesday as interim athletic director, a day after the firing of Steve Pederson.

The 70-year-old Osborne will determine whether Bill Callahan stays or goes as Nebraska coach, but he won't make the decision until after the season.

"I don't want to be someone who micromanages, watches over people's shoulders," Osborne said. "If they want me to come to practice or go to meetings, I'll go. If they want to stay away, I'll stay away."

It was 10 years ago that Osborne finished a celebrated 25-year coaching career that culminated with three national championships in his last four seasons.

Osborne, who was in the stadium for last week's 45-14 loss to Oklahoma State, didn't seem as panicked as some of the Huskers' fans about the team's play.

"It's worth pointing out that we're 4-3. We've won more than we've lost," he said. "There are other programs -- some pretty good programs -- that haven't won more than one game. But we'd like the intensity level to pick up to what we're accustomed to."

-- AP