Lincoln, NE -- (Sports Network) - The University of Nebraska dropped the interim tag and announced that Tom Osborne has agreed to serve as the school's athletic director through June 30, 2010.

Osborne led the Cornhuskers to three national championships and won 255 games as the team's head coach from 1973-97.

"I appreciated Tom's willingness to step in as interim athletic director during a very difficult time for the athletic department," Nebraska chancellor Harvey Perlman said. "His presence and his decisions have significantly reduced the controversy surrounding the department and particularly the football program."

Osborne recently dismissed coach Bill Callahan after a 5-7 season and replaced him with former LSU defensive coordinator Bo Pelini.

Perlman and Osborne agreed that a search for Osborne's successor will begin in early 2010 with the intention that Osborne will both assist in the search and help with the transition of a new athletic director.

"When Chancellor Perlman asked me to lead the athletic department and to help unify the state, he gave me the responsibility and the authority to do whatever needed to be done," Osborne said. "We've made some great strides over the last two months, but the chancellor and I agree that these next two years are crucial to keep our program moving forward.

"I have never been enamored with titles. At the same time, I think it's important for our entire department to realize that we will continue moving down the same path we're already going. Change always breeds at least some uncertainty, and if removing 'interim' from my title helps everyone understand that we'll continue to be consistent in our approach, I'm all for that.

"Everyone associated with the program -- coaches, student-athletes, administrators, fans and alumni -- want what's best for Nebraska.

"My focus is on working together and giving our best, so the athletic department can continue to improve in every way possible."