Nebraska governor Jim Pillen last Thursday blamed a lack of leadership at University of Nebraska for the sudden departure of athletic director Trev Alberts who left to assume the same role at Texas A&M.
According to KLKN Channel 8, it has been 200 days since former president Ted Carter left Nebraska for Ohio State.
“That’s a fallout that takes place with a lack of leadership,” Pillen told Channel 8. “We have to get the position filled. Get it done. Let’s go.”
Pillen, who is a former Nebraska football player, said he was confused by Alberts' departure.
“I don’t fully understand or know his reasons why,” Pillen said in a statement. “I do know that the time for reflecting on the failures of University leadership, which led to his decision, must come later. Now is the time to act.”
Pillen said it was unacceptable that UN regents haven't acted on filling Alberts' position.
“It is imperative that they act urgently and decisively to end this uncertainty,” he said in the statement. “Without any delay, they should support Interim President Chris Kabourek’s efforts to immediately appoint a new permanent athletic director.”
Chairman of the UN board of regents Rob Schafer said the regents are not to blame.
“We are all disappointed to see Trev leave,” Schafer said. “We had hoped he would be a Husker for many years, and at the leadership level, we certainly took significant steps to make that happen.”
Alberts became athletic director in 2021. Four months ago, he signed a contract extension through 2031.
