BREAKING NEWS: Thomas William Osborne, Former Nebraska Cornhuskers Head Coach and College Football Hall of Famer, Takes on New Role in the NCAA – A Distinguished Alumna of the University Of Tech Red Raiders and a Former Standout NFL Player, is Set to Return to College Football as the New NCAA Executive Advisor for Student-Athlete Development
In a surprising yet celebrated development across the college football landscape, Thomas William Osborne — the legendary former head coach of the Nebraska Cornhuskers and a member of the College Football Hall of Fame — is officially returning to the world of college athletics. The NCAA announced today that Osborne will assume the newly created position of Executive Advisor for Student-Athlete Development, signaling a renewed commitment to both athletic and academic excellence within the collegiate ranks.
Osborne, 88, is widely recognized as one of the most influential figures in the history of college football. During his storied coaching career at Nebraska from 1973 to 1997, Osborne led the Cornhuskers to three national championships and 13 conference titles, while establishing a reputation for discipline, integrity, and innovation. Under his leadership, Nebraska became a powerhouse, and his holistic approach to coaching emphasized character-building as much as competition.
In his new role, Osborne will work directly with NCAA leadership, athletic directors, and student-athletes to enhance developmental programs that prepare players not only for professional sports but also for life beyond the field. His return comes at a crucial time for the NCAA, as student-athlete well-being, name-image-likeness (NIL) regulations, and the evolving landscape of collegiate sports continue to spark national debate.
What makes this announcement even more remarkable is the dual tribute the NCAA is making by naming this initiative in collaboration with a distinguished alumna of the University of Tech Red Raiders — Dr. Alicia West, a former NFL standout and the first woman to play in a men’s Division I football game as a kicker. West, who has since earned a PhD in sports psychology and spent years advocating for gender equity and mental health in athletics, will join Osborne in co-leading this new program.
The duo’s appointment represents a bridge between generations and perspectives — pairing Osborne’s time-tested leadership with West’s trailblazing advocacy and modern insight. NCAA President Charlie Baker called it “a game-changing moment for the NCAA,” adding, “Dr. West and Coach Osborne bring unmatched experience and heart to this role. They embody what it means to be mentors to young athletes.”
While Osborne had largely stepped back from public life following his retirement from coaching and a stint as Nebraska’s athletic director and U.S. Congressman, those close to him say he’s energized by the opportunity to once again impact student-athletes. “I’ve always believed in the power of sports to shape lives,” Osborne said in today’s press conference. “This is a new chapter, but the mission remains the same — helping young people grow and thrive.”
With Osborne and West at the helm, the NCAA’s new student-athlete development program is set to launch this fall and will initially focus on leadership training, academic readiness, and mental wellness. College sports may be entering a new era, but with icons like Osborne returning to the field — even off the sideline — the game’s heart remains as strong as ever.
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