Pelini signs contract; $1.1M annually

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BY STEVEN M. SIPPLE / Lincoln Journal Star

Saying that very little negotiating was necessary, new Nebraska football coach Bo Pelini has signed his contract.

Pelini, officially hired by Husker athletic director Tom Osborne on Dec. 2, had said for the past several days that he and Osborne had agreed in principle to terms of the deal. Pelini signed the contract Wednesday.

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Nebraska athletic director Tom Osborne (right) and Bo Pelini (left) on Dec. 2. (LJS File)

Nebraska athletic director Tom Osborne (right) and Bo Pelini (left) on Dec. 2. (LJS File)

University officials likely will formally announce Pelini’s contract terms next week. But two sources close to the situation said Pelini signed a multi-year deal worth approximately $1.1 million annually.

“I thought it was all very straightforward,” said the 40-year-old Pelini. “We were pretty much on the same page from the start. We agreed on the parameters, and there wasn’t much discussion that needed to be done.

“I just really trust Coach Osborne and his word.”

Pelini spent the past three seasons as defensive coordinator at Louisiana State. In that period, Pelini’s defenses helped the Tigers compile a 34-6 record, including the national title and the Southeastern Conference crown this season.

After being hired by Nebraska and spending about two weeks in Lincoln, Pelini returned to Louisiana — with Osborne’s blessing — to help the Tigers prepare  for the BCS title contest. Pelini’s busy schedule in recent weeks might have led to a slight delay in   signing his contract at NU.

“To be honest, I was more concerned about my assistants’ (contracts), and I’m happy with the way that all worked out, too,” Pelini said.

Previous Nebraska head coach Bill Callahan, fired by Osborne on Nov. 24, had received a contract extension in September, with his annual compensation increasing from about $1.53 million to $1.75 million.

Callahan’s extension pushed the deal through January of 2012. Upon his firing, Nebraska owed him $3 million in total compensation to be paid in a lump sum.

Pelini said his main concern now is wrapping up a strong 2008 recruiting class. He feels the Huskers have picked up momentum.

“I wasn’t really worried about the contract,” Pelini said. “I figure I’ll do a good job here, and it will all take care of itself.”

Reach Steven M. Sipple at 473-7440 or ssipple@journalstar.com.