Bo Pelini - After seven seasons as head coach, Bo Pelini has been fired by Nebraska. The school's athletic director Shawn Eichorst made the announcement on Sunday morning.

"Earlier this morning, I informed Coach Bo Pelini of our decision to move forward in a new direction," Eichorst said in the press release. "Coach Pelini served our University admirably for seven years and led our football program's transition to the Big Ten Conference."

Bo Pelini became head coach of Nebraska in December 2007. Under his tenure, the team won three division titles between the Big Twelve and Big Ten. The Cornhuskers also won the 2009 Holiday Bowl and two Gator Bowls in 2008 and 2013. Nebraska finished this year's regular season 9-3.

Commentators say the decision to fire Bo Pelini may stem from the fact that although his overall record of 67-27 is impressive, the team has not fared well in big games. Under his tenure, the Cornhuskers were never contenders for the national championship.

According to local sources, Bo Pelini's dismissal may also be related to recruiting difficulties. Nebraska has found it difficult to recruit players from Texas since the team made the shift from the Big Twelve to the Big Ten. 

"Just 30 percent of the recruits Nebraska signed over the last four classes were four-or-five stars. 21 teams have done better in the stretch," Sbnation.com said.

"We wish Coach Pelini and his wonderful family all the best and thank him for his dedicated service to the University," Eichorst said.

Reports indicate that while a search for a replacement for Bo Pelini is underway, Barmey Cotton, the associate head coach, will serve as the team's head coach during it bowl game.

The dismissal of Bo Peilini comes as somewhat a surprise. In March, the coach signed a one year contract extension with the University until the 2018 season. Based on that deal, the University owes the former LSU assistant about $7.65 million buyout. According to the contract, Bo Pelini, who was paid about $3.1 million a year, was set for $100,000 pay raise next year.

As things stand, Nebraska owes Bo Pelini $150,000 for the 51 months remaining on his current contract.