LINCOLN, Neb.—Tom Osborne goes into retirement Jan. 1 remembered as a man who kept his cool under pressure, both as Nebraska's Hall of Fame football coach and as the school's athletic director.

Terry Connealy (kuh-NEE'-lee) was a defensive lineman on the first of Osborne's three national championship teams. He says Osborne has always been a calming influence—something the athletic program needed when he took over for the fired Steve Pederson in 2007.

Osborne has overseen the rebuilding of the football program under Bo Pelini. He also has mended fences with boosters who felt alienated by Pederson. He guided the school's move from the Big 12 to the Big Ten two years ago and saw through building projects.

Shawn Eichorst (IKE'-horst) will succeed Osborne as athletic director.