Jan. 3, 2000 SportsLine wire reports

TEMPE, Ariz. -- After 23 years as an assistant coach at Nebraska, defensive coordinator Charlie McBride announced his retirement Sunday night after the Cornhuskers' 31-21 victory over Tennessee in the Fiesta Bowl.

	Related Links: Game summary 'Husker freshmen make a splash in Fiesta Bowl Nebraska, Crouch roll past Tennessee 31-21 Vols come up short despite Martin's big day Fiesta Bowl news Forum: Will this hurt Nebraska next season?
	T O P   N E W S

"I love my family very much, and I think it's time for them," McBride said, his voice choked with emotion, "so I'm going to pull the plug. I just want to thank everybody."

McBride, 60, tried to keep his decision from his team before the game, but defensive back Mike Brown said he and a few other players found out about it. After the game, McBride called his players into a huddle and told them he was leaving.

"My first win was when I was coaching at Arizona State with Frank Kush at this stadium," McBride said, "My last win was here too, and it meant so much to me. If you could only know the players that I've had over the years, especially this group.

"This is a special group, folks. They're self-motivated. I honestly love them."

McBride has spent 18 seasons in charge of the defensive unit known throughout college football as the "Blackshirts" because that's what the defensive players wear in practice.

His last Nebraska team ranked fourth nationally in total defense, second in pass efficiency defense, third in scoring defense and fourth in total defense.