Lincoln, NE -- (Sports Network) - Former Nebraska football head coach and Congressman Tom Osborne has agreed to remain as the school's athletic director for the foreseeable future.

The 72-year-old Osborne originally agreed to serve in that role until June 30, 2010, but the university announced Wednesday that he will remain the AD for an indefinite period of time.

"Tom originally agreed to come in temporarily and get the department moving in the right direction. He clearly accomplished that," Nebraska chancellor Harvey Perlman said. "I believe he now feels comfortable serving on an ongoing basis, and I certainly feel comfortable having him do so.

The search for a new athletic director was to begin in early 2010, and both Perlman and Osborne agreed that when a successor is selected, "it will be done through an open search process with a committee representing the athletic department, the university and the external community."

One of Osborne's first actions as AD was to dismiss then-football coach Bill Callahan and replace him with former LSU defensive coordinator Bo Pelini.

"I want to thank Chancellor Perlman for the opportunity to serve as athletic director for a period of time that we both feel comfortable with," Osborne said. "I enjoy working with student-athletes, coaches and other athletic department personnel and hope that together we can serve the people of Nebraska and the university well."

Osborne spent 25 years at the helm of the Cornhuskers football squad from 1973-1997. He compiled a 255-49-3 record, winning three national championships -- all of which came in his final four years as coach. He also served six years as a Republican in the United State House of Representatives, beginning in 2006, in Nebraska's third congressional district.