Former Nebraska great Dave Rimington named interim athletic director

Rimington takes of the athletic department after Shawn Eichorst was fired

Nebraska is going insular while it conducts a search for a new athletic director. On Tuesday, the school announced that former Cornhuskers great Dave Rimington would assume the AD title on an interim basis. 

"I'm so pleased that we could count on Dave Rimington, who is a Husker through and through, to answer our call to lend his administrative expertise and unwavering support for Nebraska Athletics during this key time of transition," UNL chancellor Ronnie Green said in a statement. "I am confident that Dave will provide exceptional leadership as we move forward in our search for a new, permanent director of athletics."

Rimington replaces Shawn Eichorst, who was fired suddenly last week. The Omaha World-Herald reported that week that the school had reached out to Rimington to serve in the interim role. 

"I am humbled and grateful to accept this responsibility," Rimington added. "I look forward to working with the coaches, staff and student-athletes at Nebraska, which is a truly special place that has had a profound impact on my life and the lives of countless others."

Rimington is currently the president of the Boomer Esiason Foundation. He is taking a leave of that position and is scheduled to be Nebraska's interim AD for up to 60 days.

Rimington is not only one of Nebraska's all-time great players, he's considered one of the greatest college football players ever. He played center for the Huskers from 1979-82 and was a two-time consensus first-team All-America selection. He was also a two-time winner of the Outland Trophy and a Lombardi Award winner.  He was inducted into the College Football Hall of fame in 1997 and is one of 17 Huskers to have their jersey retired. He played seven years in the NFL with the Cincinnati Bengals and Philadelphia Eagles. 

The Rimington Trophy, given annually to college football's top center since 2000, carries his name.