Pederson - Solich fired because of program's overall slip

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Nebraska fired football coach Frank Solich because athletic director Steve Pederson believed the program was slipping in stature compared to its Big 12 rivals.

"I refuse to let the program gravitate into mediocrity," Pederson said Sunday when he officially announced the firing. "We won't surrender the Big 12 to Oklahoma and Texas."

Despite firing a coach with a 9-3 record this season and a 58-19 career mark, Pederson said he is not running a "win at all costs" program.

He said he did not like the direction the program was taking. Since starting 11-0 in 2001, the Cornhuskers have been 16-12.

"The byproduct of excellence in every area of your program is winning, and I don't apologize for having high expectations," Pederson said.

Pederson named defensive coordinator Bo Pelini interim head coach for the bowl game. The Huskers' bowl destination has not been determined.

Pederson said he would open a nationwide search for a head coach and hoped to have a successor to Solich named quickly.

Pelini said he would be a candidate for the permanent position.

"This is the best job in the country, and anyone who doesn't want to win the national championship shouldn't bother applying for this job," Pederson said. "I understand we aren't going to win the championship every year, but I believe we should be playing for or gaining on the championship on a consistent basis.

"I don't feel that currently we are playing for or gaining on the championship."

Chancellor Harvey Perlman said that although Solich is a man of high integrity who made many contributions to the university, he fully supported Pederson's decision.