Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Tom Osborne

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 23, 2026

How Tom Osborne built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Tom Osborne is a highly successful figure in American football and politics. He coached the Nebraska Cornhuskers from 1973 to 1997, achieving considerable success and earning a place in the College Football Hall of Fame. Transitioning to politics, Osborne served as a Republican Congressman for Nebraska's third district for three terms (2001-2007). Later, he returned to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as athletic director from 2007 until his retirement in 2013, marking a significant impact in both athletics and public service.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1959: Selected in NFL Draft

In 1959, Tom Osborne was selected in the nineteenth round of the NFL draft by the San Francisco 49ers, but was later released without playing a regular season game.

1960: NFL Debut with the Washington Redskins

In 1960, Tom Osborne made his NFL debut with the Washington Redskins. On November 6, he played against the St. Louis Cardinals. He had one reception for eight yards.

1961: More Playing Time

In 1961, Tom Osborne saw more playing time, starting twelve games and scoring his first career touchdown against the Browns in Week 4, and his second against the Cardinals in Week 12.

1962: Joined Nebraska's Coaching Staff

In 1962, Tom Osborne joined Nebraska's coaching staff as an unpaid assistant to head coach Bob Devaney.

1969: Named Offensive Coordinator

In 1969, Tom Osborne was named offensive coordinator for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, and he switched to a balanced attack operated from the I formation.

1972: Devaney Stepped Down

In 1972, Bob Devaney stepped down as head coach of Nebraska to concentrate on his duties as athletic director, and named Tom Osborne his successor. Devaney's final game was a convincing win over Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl.

1973: Head Coach of Nebraska Cornhuskers

In 1973, Tom Osborne became the head football coach of the Nebraska Cornhuskers, a position he held for 25 seasons.

1973: Named Devaney's Successor

In 1973, Tom Osborne was named Bob Devaney's successor as head coach of the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

1979: Assistant Athletic Director

From 1979 to 1998, Tom Osborne was assistant athletic director at Nebraska.

October 12, 1981: Top 25 Ranking Streak

From October 12, 1981, onward, Tom Osborne's teams were ranked in the top 25 every week.

1997: Retirement from Coaching

In 1997, Tom Osborne retired as the head football coach of the Nebraska Cornhuskers after 25 seasons.

1997: Retirement Announcement and Final Game

Late in the 1997 season, Tom Osborne announced his retirement and selected Frank Solich as his successor. His final game was a national championship victory over Tennessee, with a score of 42-17.

1998: Assistant Athletic Director

From 1979 to 1998, Tom Osborne was assistant athletic director at Nebraska.

2000: Announced Congressional Run

Early in 2000, Tom Osborne announced that he would run in Nebraska's 3rd District as a Republican and won the election in November.

2000: Elected to Congress

In 2000, Tom Osborne was elected to Congress from Nebraska's third district as a Republican.

2001: Service in Congress

In 2001, Tom Osborne began serving three terms in Congress, representing Nebraska's third district.

2002: Re-election to Congress

In 2002, Tom Osborne was reelected to Congress with no major-party opposition.

2004: Re-election to Congress

In 2004, Tom Osborne was reelected to Congress against a Democrat.

2006: Ran for Governor of Nebraska

In 2006, Tom Osborne ran for Governor of Nebraska, challenging the incumbent Dave Heineman and Omaha businessman Dave Nabity in the Republican primary.

October 16, 2007: Named Interim Athletic Director

On October 16, 2007, Tom Osborne was named interim athletic director at Nebraska.

November 24, 2007: Fired Head Coach Bill Callahan

On November 24, 2007, Tom Osborne fired head coach Bill Callahan following a 5-7 season.

2007: Appointed to Board of Directors

In 2007, President George W. Bush appointed Tom Osborne as a member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service.

2007: Return to University of Nebraska as Athletic Director

In 2007, Tom Osborne returned to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as athletic director.

2008: Resigned from Board of Directors

In 2008, Tom Osborne resigned from his position on the Board of Directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service.

June 30, 2010: Removal of Interim Tag

On December 19, Nebraska removed the interim tag from Tom Osborne's title and announced he would remain athletic director through June 30, 2010.

2010: Accepted invitation to join Big Ten

In 2010, Tom Osborne ended Nebraska's long-standing relationship with the Big 12 Conference and accepted an invitation for the school to become the twelfth member of the Big Ten.