Breaking News: Nebraska Athletic Director Shawn Eichorst Dismissed

In breaking news from Lincoln, Nebraska, Cornhusker Athletic Director Shawn Eichorst has been dismissed from his position, effective immediately.

This news comes just two days before the Scarlet Knights square off against Nebraska in a 3:30 p.m. (EDT) game being broadcast on BTN. In an online press release by the University, Nebraska Chancellor Ronnie Green stated:

“Shawn has led Nebraska Athletics in many positive ways, but those efforts have not translated into on-field performance. 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.”

This firing comes after a lot of displeasure throughout the state of Nebraska due to not just a 1-2 start this season for Cornhusker football, but one of the losses coming from Mid-American foe Northern Illinois University where they dropped a 21-17 decision last Saturday.

As stated in the release, Shawn Eichorst was appointed as AD at Nebraska in October 2012, and has $1.7 million remaining on a contract that runs until June 30, 2019. Green and President Hank Bounds decided to seek a new athletic director and met with Eichorst earlier today. Both Green and Bounds also met earlier with all of the Nebraska coaches to share their decision.

While 1-2 is a challenging record for the Huskers, in the article announcing Eichorst’s firing reported by Brian Towle on SB Nation’s Corn Nation, Nebraska is 3-7 in their last ten games over the last year. Earlier today, in an article written by Aaron Breitman for On the Banks, Nebraska reporters from Corn Nation shared their views that both Head Coach Mike Riley and the now-former AD were on the hot seat.

Also in the statement by the University, the former Athletic Director stated:

“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.”

At the time of this being published, the University has not yet held a press conference on the topic, but Chancellor Green stated:

“Winning can and often does happen in concert with well-run, quality college programs that work to ensure the success of the student. That’s our expectation.”

No timeline has yet been mentioned regarding hiring of a replacement, nor has an interim athletic director yet been named. More will be shared as it becomes available.