Nebraska introduces Mike Riley as new head coach

Nebraska wasted no time rolling out the red carpet for the man tasked with leading their football team as former Oregon State coach Mike Riley was introduced Friday as the 29th head coach in Cornhuskers history.

"Today we add another outstanding coach and teacher to this great university," Nebraska athletic director Shawn Eichorst said. "Mike Riley is a tremendous football coach, a man of high character and virtue, a wonderful husband and father.

"It would take a special place and a perfect fit for him to move and we're fortunate he found that in Nebraska."

Riley's five year contract pays him $2.7 million a year and he'll receive an increase of $100,000 each year. Outgoing Nebraska coach Bo Pelini was paid $3.1 million this year.

Having spent 14 years as Oregon State's head coach before being hired away on Thursday, Riley was the lowest paid coach in the Pac-12, making $1.6 million a year.

"I'm excited to coach this football team ... to be part of the university and to be part of what is known as the greatest fan base in college football," Riley said. "As I've gotten more experienced, instead of older, I have really enjoyed what is so important to the university (which) is the growth of young men in all ways."

When asked about the coaching staff, Riley said the recruiting process for coaches will begin immediately, adding that he'll surround himself with people he trusts to do great work.

"I'm going to be hiring a staff," he said, "and it's my job to put experts and good people around them."