Updated at 12:10 p.m. on Mar. 14, 2024
LINCOLN, Neb – Nebraska Athletic Director Trev Alberts is leaving the University for the same position at Texas A&M.
The change comes at a time when the University of Nebraska system is conducting a search for a permanent president and a new chancellor at the University of Nebraska Kearney.
On Thursday morning, Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen released a "call to action" to the University of Nebraska Board of Regents:
“The University of Nebraska has existed as an institution for more than a century and a half. It is immeasurably bigger than any one person. But leadership matters, and the long-term success of our University depends immensely on having committed public servants as its leaders.
I am deeply disappointed by Trev Alberts’ decision to leave so soon after restating his commitment to Nebraska and I don’t fully understand or know his reasons why. I do know that the time for reflecting on the failures of University leadership, which led to his decision, must come later. Now is the time to act.
This morning, I am issuing a call to action to the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. It has been 206 days since Ted Carter announced his departure as president. It is unacceptable that the University’s elected leaders have failed during this time to appoint permanent leadership. It is imperative that they act urgently and decisively to end this uncertainty. Without any delay, they should support Interim President Chris Kabourek’s efforts to immediately appoint a new permanent athletic director.”
Reports about the possible change surfaced Wednesday morning and was confirmed late Wednesday afternoon. The official social media accounts for Texas A&M also announced the hire of Alberts.
His contract with Nebraska was restructured in November, paying him $1.7 million a year to keep him at his alma matter until 2031. He now owes a $4.12 million buyout to the University of Nebraska.
Alberts sent the following notice to University of Nebraska-Lincoln Athletics staff Wednesday evening:
"I am writing to inform you that earlier today, I informed Interim President Kabourek that I am resigning my position as Director of Athletics to accept the same role at Texas A&M. I am very sorry for the timing and that I was not able to communicate these changes to you in person.
Thank you so much for all that you have done to make Husker Athletics so special. I am grateful for all that we accomplished together and believe that because of you, Nebraska is well positioned for the evolving changes within our industry. Tough decisions will need to be made, unity of vision and high execution will be necessary, but I am confident that leadership in Nebraska will rise to the occasion.
Nebraska Athletics is full of high character, hardworking and talented staff, and coaches. It was an honor to get to partner with you to experience unprecedented success. Thank you again."
Alberts released the following statement about the decision to leave:
"I am grateful for the 15 years that I had the privilege to serve both the University of Nebraska-Omaha and my alma mater, UNL. My family and I want to say thank you for all the special memories that we were able to create together.
Nebraska is well positioned for the evolving changes within our industry. Tough decisions will need to be made and unity of vision and high execution will be necessary, but I am confident that leadership in Nebraska will rise to the occasion.
Nebraska Athletics is full of high character, hardworking and talented staff, and coaches. It was an honor to get to partner with them as we experienced unprecedented success.”
On Wednesday evening, University of Nebraska Interim President Chris Kabourek released the following statement about Alberts' departure:
"I’m disappointed to see Trev leave, but I am grateful for his 15 years of service to the University of Nebraska. Both the Mavericks and the Huskers achieved great things under Trev’s leadership and we wish him and his family all the best.
We have incredible momentum in Husker Athletics thanks to the hard work and dedication of all our staff, coaches and student-athletes. We will not hit pause. As I’ve said many times, I’ve never been more excited about the future of the University of Nebraska and the opportunities we have to work together toward our vision to compete at the highest levels in all facets. I have full confidence we will find a visionary leader who will build on Trev’s great work and keep the Huskers at the forefront in this changing landscape for college athletics.
In the meantime, my immediate focus is on doing everything I can to support our student-athletes, coaches and staff. I intend to name an interim AD very soon and will quickly begin the process for a national search for our next leader."
During his time at Nebraska, Alberts hired Matt Rhule as the head football coach and helped put on the successful Volleyball Day in Nebraska event at Memorial Stadium.
Alberts is also named in a lawsuit filed by former Nebraska Husker Women's Basketball player claiming the school and the team’s head coach were aware of and mishandled an inappropriate sexual relationship between her and a member of the coaching staff.