Nebraska has fired athletic director Shawn Eichorst, the University announced on Thursday.
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BREAKING: Eichorst out as NU athletic director, per @RonnieDGreen #Huskers
— Lincoln Journal Star (@JournalStarNews) September 21, 2017
"Shawn has led Nebraska Athletics in many positive ways, but those efforts have not translated into on-field performance," Chancellor Ronnie Green in a statement released to 1011Now.com. "Our fans and our student-athletes deserve leadership that drives the highest levels of competitiveness, as well as excellence across all facets of Husker Athletics."
Nebraska football suffered a disappointing 21-17 loss to Northern Illinois on Saturday and currently has a 1-2 overall record to start the 2017 season.
Green and President Hank Bounds decided to explore new options and met with Eichorst, as Husker coaches on Thursday to share their decision.
"I want to sincerely thank Shawn for his dedication to and care for our student-athletes, and for his commitment to their success here at Nebraska, and in life," Green said. "He has positively influenced countless lives at this university, and I wish him and his family the very best going forward."
In an official statement obtained by 1011Now.com, Eichorst said, "While I am deeply disappointed in the decision today, I am grateful for the wonderful years that my family and I have spent at Nebraska. I am proud of how our student-athletes, coaches and staff represented this great university and state, and I am confident that the future is bright for Nebraska Athletics."
Nebraska will begin its search for a replacement athletic director on Thursday and expects to appoint an interim AD to oversee day-to-day operations until a permanent replacement is selected.
The chancellor confirmed that the school will reach out to stakeholders knowledgeable of Nebraska Athletics, as well as advisors who have successfully run college football programs in the past for perspective during the search.
