Statement from Nebraska Athletic Director Steve Pederson Regarding Mike Zimmer

Lincoln ? University of Nebraska Athletic Director Steve Pederson made the following statement today with regard to Dallas Cowboy Defensive Coordinator Mike Zimmer.

"On Saturday I said that I would attempt to communicate more openly about the process we are undertaking in our search for the next head football coach at the University of Nebraska. Several news outlets reported yesterday that Dallas Cowboy Defensive Coordinator Mike Zimmer had interviewed with the University of Nebraska about our head coaching position.

Chancellor Harvey Perlman and I did in fact interview Mike as part of our ongoing search. We found him to be a terrific coach and a man of great integrity. He was very upfront at the time regarding the fact that his first obligation is to the needs and happiness of his family. Mike and I agreed that he should discuss a potential move to Lincoln before we proceeded with any further discussions. After returning home and talking to his family, Mike called me this morning saying that they had decided to remain in Dallas and asked to have his name withdrawn from consideration.

In the meantime, the process continues to advance with scheduled interviews with Turner Gill and Bo Pelini among other potential candidates. We will continue to update the search as needed until we have secured the next football coach at the University of Nebraska."